Appendicitis: Condition and Symptoms

If you think you have appendicitis, go to a doctor or the emergency room immediately. The condition is a medical emergency. With proper care, you will likely make a full recovery.

Condition

Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. Painful swelling of the appendix is part of this condition.

Causes

Appendicitis is caused by obstruction of the appendicial lumen. This obstruction causes the appendix to swell and become infected.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain is the main symptom. Loss of appetite is another. Diarrhea or constipation can be symptoms as well as nausea and/or vomiting. A fever might accompany appendicitis.

Treatment

Removal of the appendix is the most common treatment for appendicitis. The procedure used is called an appendectomy. A soft or liquid diet, along with antibiotics, might be used to treat appendicitis nonsurgically if surgery is not an option.

Recovery

Recovering from appendicitis generally takes four to six weeks. Rest is important to give the body time to heal.

References

• Appendicitis