Posted: 02/07/06 - 01:00 Post subject: what is appendicitis?
I want to know more about appendicitis. What is it and is it dangerous? My neighbor had it and he had some complications. What is treatment for this condition?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix and there is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, with some diagnostic tests and antibiotics, most cases of appendicitis can be identified and treated without any complications. The appendix is a small organ that's attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis mostly affects kids who are between the ages of 11 and 20. The symptoms of appendicitis start with a mild fever and pain around the bellybutton. They can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation and the stomach pain usually worsens and moves to the lower right side of the belly. If it is left untreated, the inflamed appendix can burst 24 hours to 72 hours after the symptoms begin. The treatment consists of removing the inflamed appendix through an appendectomy. An appendectomy usually requires a 2 to 3-day hospital stay.
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