Appendicitis

Description

Appendix is a bag on the beginning of the colon. In appendicitis, the opening of the bag is being blocked by fecal material, which causes swelling of the colon and enables bacteria to develop in that area. Appendix does not have function and it can burst if the inflammation is not treated.

Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Pain usually begins in the center of the stomach and extends towards the lower right side. Not that often pain could appear in other parts of the stomach and even on the left side.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Blood tests and imaging methods (CT scan or ultrasound) might be necessary in unclear cases.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT scan, lipase and ultrasound.

Specialists

General Surgery

Therapy

The usual treatment is surgical removal of the appendix. Antibiotics may be prescribed, too.