ABOUT THE DISEASE

Appendix is a small, finger-like tube located where the large and small intestine join. It is a vestigial organ i.e. has no known function. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix.

SYMPTOMS

• • Starts with pain around the belly button that moves towards the lower right belly (abdomen), the pain increases on coughing or on sudden movement.
• • Nausea
• • Vomiting
• • Loss of appetite
• • Fever
• • Constipation
• • Diarrhoea

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Blood and Urine tests
- X-rays or CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound

CAUSES

This is a fairly common disease with no obvious causes, sometimes it is caused by an obstruction in the appendix. The obstruction can be caused by:
- Faeces / foreign object
- Enlarged lymph glands

TREATMENT METHODS

Is surgical removal of the appendix – Appendicectomy. If there is rupture of the appendix or abscess formation, the surgery would be done after infection has subsided.

You may also like to learn about:

Abdominal pain
Intestinal parasites
Colic
Intestinal obstruction
Colitis
Constipation