27. Acute Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis refers to the sudden inflammation of the appendix, a rudimentary organ that is part of the intestinal tract, commonly caused by an overgrowth of bacteria within it.
The condition initially presents as pain around the belly button area, spreading downwards toward the right lower part of the abdomen. Coughing, sneezing and other sudden movements worsen the pain, which is also accompanied by nausea, vomiting and appetite loss. Tenderness in the left lower part of the abdomen is also present when pressed, worsening when the pressure is suddenly removed.
Fever may also be present, depending on the severity of the infection, which when untreated, may spread to the surrounding areas causing inflammation of the peritoneum, the cavity containing the gastro-intestinal organs. Once the peritoneum is infected and inflamed, things begin to become life threatening for the patient.
Treatment includes surgically removing the swollen appendix via open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy followed by antibiotic therapy.
