The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. Appendicitis occurs when appendix becomes inflamed and gets filled with pus. It causes constant pain in the upper right abdomen, which eventually moves to the naval area.
Although it can happen to anyone, people between the ages of 10 and 30 are more at risk. While it only causes slight discomfort at the start, it can quickly become a medical emergency. As the inflammation becomes worse, the pain also increases. Therefore, patients should consult with the doctors immediately.
Pain near the naval
Nausea & vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal bloating
Low fever
To diagnose appendicitis, our doctor will ask the patient about their medical history and symptoms. Before moving further, the doctors will ask about their digestive health and the condition of bowel movement.
Then the doctors will perform a physical examination to assess the pain and check for any tenderness, swelling or rigidity in the abdomen. In addition to the physical exam, our doctor may recommend blood tests to rule out infection and urinary tract problems.
If left untreated, appendicitis can become acute or chronic and cause a burst in the appendix. It can lead to an infection inside the body, therefore, and has to be removed immediately. During the surgery, our surgeon will make an incision at the lower right side of the abdomen to remove the appendix.
The surgery also allows the doctor to clean the abdominal cavity more effectively. It has very low risks and only requires a stay of a day or two in the hospital. However, complete recovery may take up to six weeks, so the patient should avoid strenuous activities during this period.