Symptoms and Treatment of Appendicitis

Posted by sanjay on Tuesday 21 Apr 2009

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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, narrow tube-shaped sac connected to the bottom of the large intestine. Appendix will sometimes burst (or rupture), causing bacteria to spread outside of the appendix. Appendicitis can also occur from a blockage between the appendix and cecum.

Yet another cause might be swelling and inflammation of the lymphatic tissues. This disorder affects both woman and men equally and usually between the ages of 10 and 30. Statistics show that 8 out of every 100 people may be diagnosed with appendicitis at some point in their lives.

The only proven cure for appendicitis is an appendectomy. It is much safer to have this surgery before your appendix ruptures because once it does, much more complicated surgery will be needed. People having stomach pain, along with the symptoms listed below, for 4 hours or more should seek immediate medical treatment.

Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort in abdomen
• Constipation
• Fever
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Pain on left side sometimes shifts and moves toward the right side
• Extreme pain when coughing

Tests used to diagnose appendicitis

• Various surgical procedures
• Physical exam with thorough family history/background
• White blood cell count
• Exam of abdomen to detect tenderness
• Ultrasound
• Urinalysis
• X-rays
• Various scans

Complications

• Perforation
• Blockage
• Sepsis
• Formation of pus
• Infection
• Rupture

Home remedies for appendicitis

Bran and wheat germ (whole wheat). Fenugreek seeds (1 tablespoon in cold water-simmer for 30 minutes, then strain). Beet and cucumber juice (100 ml of each mixed with carrot juice)-drink twice daily. Warm water enemas. Hot packs (used on abdomen). Maintain regular bowel movements

Useful Diets for appendicitis

Fasting – water only for 2 days. Fruit juice – add fruit juice after 2 days of fasting. Drink fruit juice and water for 4 days. Fruit juice only – after 4 days of fruit juice and water, switch to fruit juice only for 4 or 5 days. Following the fruit juice diet, develop a healthy diet rich with seeds, grains, vegetables, and nuts.