Exploratory surgery or an imaging test, such as computed tomography or ultrasonography, is done. See also Acute Abdominal Pain Overview of Gastrointestinal Emergencies Certain gastrointestinal disorders can be life threatening and require emergency treatment. For many people, emergency treatment involves surgery. Abdominal pain, often severe, usually accompanies The appendix is a small finger-shaped tube projecting from the large intestine near the point where it joins the small intestine.
The appendix may have some immune function, but it is not an essential organ. Appendicitis is the most common cause of sudden, severe abdominal pain and abdominal surgery in the United States. Appendicitis most commonly occurs during adolescence and in the 20s but may occur at any age. The cause of appendicitis is not fully understood. However, in most cases, a blockage inside the appendix probably starts a process. The blockage may be from a small, hard piece of stool fecalith , a foreign body, or, rarely, even worms.
As a result of the blockage, the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. If inflammation continues without treatment, the appendix can rupture. A ruptured appendix may cause a pus-filled pocket of infection abscess Abdominal Abscesses An abscess is a pocket of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Most people have constant abdominal pain and a fever. Computed tomography or another imaging test can distinguish an abscess As a result, peritonitis Peritonitis Abdominal pain is common and often minor. When a doctor suspects appendicitis, a surgeon may need to remove the appendix to prevent a burst appendix. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes of a burst appendix. We also discuss the possible treatments for a burst appendix. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed.
Inflammation usually happens when there is an obstruction in the appendix, and bacteria cannot escape. The accumulation of bacteria in the appendix causes the immune system to activate, and the process of inflammation begins.
Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that needs surgery in the United States. However, appendicitis can happen at any age. The first symptom of appendicitis is usually severe and sudden pain in the abdomen. It often begins near the belly button and then moves lower and to the right. The pain may become more intense within the next few hours and become worse by moving, coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths.
Children may complain of pain around the middle of the belly near the belly button. Younger children are at a higher risk of a burst appendix, as they may not be able to talk clearly about their symptoms. Appendicitis can have more than one cause, and in many cases, doctors may not know the exact reason for appendicitis. The condition typically occurs when part of the appendix becomes obstructed, or blocked.
If there is an obstruction in the appendix, bacteria will get trapped and begin to multiply, causing an infection. This can lead to the formation of pus and swelling, which can cause painful pressure in the abdomen. If not treated promptly and appropriately, the pressure will continue to build, causing the appendix to swell. The swelling may lead to part of the appendix dying due to a lack of blood supply. With significant inflammation, pressure, and cell death, the appendix may burst.
When the appendix bursts, the bacteria and pus leak into the abdomen. When this spillage occurs, it can cause peritonitis , which can be fatal without rapid treatment. Click here to learn more about other potential causes of pain in the lower right abdomen. Your appendix can become inflamed for a number of reasons. It can be blocked by mucus, stool bowel movement , or lymphatic tissue, part of the lymphatic system that helps fight infection. The normally harmless bacteria in the appendix then begins to attack the appendix walls, resulting in inflammation and infection.
If left untreated, this can rupture the appendix wall, causing the infection to spread in the abdomen and, possibly, throughout the body, resulting in sepsis or severe sepsis. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Worldwide, one-third of people who develop sepsis die. Appendicitis symptoms are not always obvious at first and the inflammation may have been developing for up to 48 hours before they are noticed. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.
What causes appendicitis? Who is at risk for appendicitis? Appendicitis affects 1 in 1, people living in the U. Most cases of appendicitis happen to people between the ages of 10 and 30 years.
Having a family history of appendicitis may raise your risk, especially if you are a man. For a child, having cystic fibrosis also seems to raise the risk of getting appendicitis. What are the symptoms of appendicitis? The following are common symptoms of appendicitis. Your own symptoms may vary. Pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom. This pain: May start in the area around your belly button and move to the lower right-hand side of your belly. It may also start in the lower right-hand side of your belly.
Often gets worse as time goes on. May feel worse when you are moving, taking deep breaths, being touched, and coughing or sneezing. May be felt all over your belly if your appendix bursts. Other common symptoms include: Upset stomach and vomiting Loss of appetite Fever and chills Trouble having a bowel movement constipation Loose stool diarrhea Trouble passing gas Swollen belly Do not take pain medicines.
How is appendicitis diagnosed? He or she may also have you take the following tests: Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, such as having a high white blood cell count. Urine tests: To see if you have a urinary tract infection. You may also have some imaging tests, including: Abdominal ultrasound: Lets the doctor see internal organs as they work and checks how blood is flowing through different blood vessels.
CT scan: Shows detailed images of any part of the body, such as the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
0コメント