Acute appendicitis corresponds to inflammation of the cecal appendix, which is a small structure located on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the large intestine. This condition usually happens due to the obstruction of the organ mainly by feces, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, low fever and nausea, for example.
Due to the obstruction, there may still be a proliferation of bacteria, also characterizing an infectious condition that, if not treated correctly, can progress to sepsis. Understand what sepsis is.
In case of suspected appendicitis, it is important to go to the hospital as soon as possible, as there may be perforation of the appendix, characterizing suppurative appendicitis, which can put the patient at risk. Learn more about appendicitis.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms that indicate acute appendicitis are:
- Abdominal pain on the right side and around the navel; Abdominal distension; Nausea and vomiting; Low fever, up to 38ºC, unless there is perforation of the appendix, with high fever; Loss of appetite.
The diagnosis is made through physical, laboratory and imaging exams. Through the CBC you can see an increase in the number of leukocytes, which can also be seen in the urine test. Through computed tomography and abdominal ultrasound it is also possible to make the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, because through these exams it is possible to check the structure of the appendix and identify any inflammatory signs.
Possible causes
Acute appendicitis is mainly caused by obstruction of the appendix by very dry stools. But it can also happen due to the presence of intestinal parasites, gallstones, enlarged lymph nodes in the region and traumatic injuries to the abdomen, for example.
In addition, acute appendicitis can happen due to genetic factors related to the position of the appendix.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for acute appendicitis is usually done by removing surgery from the appendix in order to avoid complications and possible infections. The length of stay is 1 to 2 days, with the patient being released for physical exercise and other day-to-day activities 3 months after the surgery. Find out how surgery for appendicitis is done.
Often, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics is also indicated by the doctor before and after surgery.
Complications of acute appendicitis
If acute appendicitis is not identified quickly or treatment is not done correctly, there may be some complications, such as:
- Abscess, which is the excess of pus accumulated around the appendix; Peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the abdomen cavity; Hemorrhage; Intestinal obstruction; Fistula in which there is an abnormal connection between an abdominal organ and the skin surface; Sepsis, which is a serious infection of the whole organism.
These complications usually occur when the appendix is not removed in time and ruptures.
