In some cases, this may be fatal. Therefore, it is very important to seek immediate medical attention in case of any signs of abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and fever. Columbia Asia is a renowned general surgery hospital in India that has the required facilities as well as experienced healthcare personnel to deal with such complications.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The initial signs of appendicitis includes pain in rhe abdomen, near the “belly button” region radiating towards the lower right abdomen. Usually, all the symptoms do not present themselves and a person may suffer from a combination of these signs:

• Pain in the lower right abdomen and around the navel.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal swelling
• Indigestion
• Low-grade fever in the range of 99- 102 degrees
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Inability to pass gas
• Difficulty or pain in passing urine
• Cramps

The importance of a timely diagnosis and treatment in case a person exhibits any or a combination of the above symptoms cannot be stressed enough. Columbia Asia hospital is staffed with some of the top gastroenterologists in Bangalore who are proficient in diagnosing and treating this condition.

What causes Appendicitis?

The exact cause of this disorder is unknown. However, it is likely that an infection due to an obstruction in the lining of the appendix is one of the major factors that can trigger this condition. This blockage may be caused by tumors, accumulation of hardened stool, any traumatic injury or even intestinal worms. The tissue may become swollen due to the effects of inflammatory bowel disease, for example Crohn’s disease. Appendicitis is not hereditary and does not spread from one person to another.

What tests are performed to diagnose Appendicitis?

First, the doctor will take a detailed medical history, ascertain the symptoms and examine the abdomen for tenderness, swelling or rigidity. Some of the tests that are performed to obtain a more detailed and accurate diagnosis are:

• Complete Blood Count: A sample of the blood is collected and analysed in the lab to check for signs of infection.
• Scanning and Ultrasound: An abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are some of the imaging tests that may be performed to confirm the causes of appendicitis.
• Urine test: This is done to rule out urinary tract infection or kidney stones as probable causes of this disease.
• Pelvic exam: In women, the symptoms may be caused due to ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease or other conditions affecting the reproductive organs.

Treatment options for appendicitis

There are no home remedies available to treat this disease. The best and most effective treatment is Appendectomy, which is a surgical removal of the appendix. A minimally invasive method involving small keyhole incisions is employed to minimize the loss of blood and aid faster recovery process. This procedure is done before the appendix ruptures.

If the appendix has already burst, then a needle drainage is done to drain the abscess in order control the infection. Following this process, appendectomy is performed.

Some of the other treatment options include antibiotics, following a liquid diet and taking pain relievers to alleviate the pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

How to prevent appendicitis?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the occurrence of this condition. But, following a healthy diet rich in fibre, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can make it less likely for a person to be affected by appendicitis.