APPENDICITIS


Spasms of pain in the abdomen may be the first sign of appendicitis.  The pain is caused by inflammation of the appendix, a short tube, closed at one end, that projects from the junction of the small and large intestines.


Appendicitis can occur if the open end of the appendix is blocked by fragments of hard waste matter or if the appendix becomes kinked.  As a result, infection sets in and the walls of the appendix become inflamed and swollen.

If the condition is left untreated, it may subside only to recur- a condition known as chronic appendicitis.

If the condition is acute, however, the pain increases until the appendix finally bursts, spreading the infection through the area immediately around it, or throughout the intestine.  This is a surgical emergency, requiring prompt treatment. For this reason, a doctor should be seen as early as possible in cases of suspected appendicitis, especially in children or old people.


The symptoms can take between 4 and 48 hours to develop.  Because they are extremely variable, the condition can be difficult to diagnose.  Call the doctor immediately if the pain gets worse, becomes continuous, or keeps the sufferer awake.  Call the doctor in any case if the pain lasts longer than 4 hours.


The danger signs

  • Recurring spasms of pain.  At first they may be felt near the navel, but sometimes in the lower right side of the abdomen.
  • After a few hours, there is a constant severe aching in the lowe right side of the abdomen.
  • The lower right side of the abdomen is tender to touch.  The pain becomes more severe if the sufferer moves; it may interfere with sleep.
  • The sufferer feels sick and may vomit.  Often there is constipation, although the bowels may move normally, or even be loose.
  • Food and drink are usually refused.
  • It may hurt to walk or to pass urine
  • The breath may smell foul
  • Body temperature generally rises to 39°C (102°F) in adults, and can be even higher in children.  But sometimes it is only slightly raised.

How you can  help

  • Keep the sufferer lying still with a hot-water bottle wrapped in a towel on the abdomen.
  • Rinse the mouth with sips of water, but do not give food or drink.
  • Do not administer laxatives.