Posted: 09/15/05 - 02:00 Post subject: How Appendicitis Occur
Few days ago my son felt pain in his abdomen. I took him to the hospital where he was examined. The doctors diagnosed him with appendicitis. How does the appendicitis occur? What is the treatment? Will my son be ok?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a closed-ended, narrow tube that attaches to the first part of the colon (cecum), like a worm. Appendicitis occurs when the opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked. The blockage is caused by build-up mucus within the appendix. Other cause can be swollen lymphatic tissue that also blocks the appendix and the bacteria that are normally found in the appendix begin to invade the wall of the appendix. If the infection and inflammation spread through the wall, the appendix can rupture. The most common complication is the perforation of the appendix that can lead to a periappendiceal abscess or diffuse peritonitis (the infection of the entire abdomen and pelvis). A less common complication is blockage of the intestine that causes nausea, vomiting etc. Sepsis is the most feared complication in which the infecting bacteria enters the blood and travels to other parts of the body. When a diagnosis of appendicitis is made, an appendectomy usually is performed and antibiotics are almost always prior to surgery and as soon as appendicitis is suspected. If your son is under supervision of a doctor, I am sure that everything will be ok.
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