APPENDICITIS

Arianna Alfano

Human Biology | Mod G

 The digestive system is an incredibly complex unit of organs that is responsible for a

plethora of functions that allow for the proper functioning of the human body and, overall, well-

being of each individual. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the condition of this organ

system is of the utmost importance when evaluating the health of an individual, overall.

Unfortunately, there is a multitude of existing conditions which afflict the digestive system and

can cause the individual to suffer. Specifically, appendicitis is among one of the most common

malfunctions of the digestive system. With over 200,000 cases in the United States alone every

year, it definitely can be said that this painful condition is common. However, being that the

symptoms are similar to that of a variety of other conditions, and with limited knowledge on the

organ affected—the appendix—there is certainly confusion associated with the disease, which

can lead to a variety of other physical issues and, in some cases, death. Thus, understanding this

disease, how it comes about in human beings, the warning signs of its presence, the ways in

which sufferers can protect themselves from the onset of this awful happening, as well as the

current treatments available for it are all incredibly important to the individual as well as

researchers who hope to find ways to further heal and prevent this illness.

The appendix is a thin, tube-like sac that is attached to and seems to extend past the

beginning of the large intestine. While humans and a variety of other mammals are born with this

4-inch organ, researchers have been baffled and left in apprehension as to its purpose and,

overall, reason for existence. This lack of complete understanding of the organ, however, does

not mean that the appendix cannot prove to cause problems within the body. In fact, just as any

organ can, the appendix has a tendency to become inflamed and, being that it has a tubular, sac

shape, filled with infectious pus—termed appendicitis. Appendicitis is among one of the most
common afflictions of the gastrointestinal tract that Americans can experience. With

approximately 5% of the population of the United States experiencing this, there is no shortage

in the number of cases treated each year. Among this 5%, it has often been found to burden men

more than women. Regardless of the statistics, though, it is essential to remember that this illness

is not one to be taken lightly. While its symptoms may be common with a host of other

gastrointestinal issues, appendicitis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately

to prevent further complications. Therefore, it is equally important is to be aware of the causes of

appendicitis in order to properly acknowledge and recognize the disease and one’s likelihood of

obtaining it.

There are a variety of reasons for the onset of appendicitis but, most commonly, the

explanation for its occurrence is due to some sort of blockage in the appendix. Very often,

conditions that go ignored are those that can most easily be the cause of this life-threatening

illness. For instance, the blockage which can lead to appendicitis may be, simply, from hard stool

pieces building up in the large intestine from constipation—a condition that a multitude of

individuals experiences in their lifetime. As well, it is true that ingested objects can act as a

means of blocking this organ. This instance is, especially, prevalent in young children who are

more prone to swallowing inedible objects—making the condition one that is commonly

referenced throughout childhood doctor visits. Aside from this, however, the blockages can also

be the result of other diseases or preexisting complications with the gastrointestinal tract.

Tumors, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, swollen intestinal lymph nodes, and parasites are

among other reasons why one’s appendix might be afflicted. Tumors may be the most

straightforward explanation as to why one’s appendix may be blocked. As it can be inferred, if

any sort of growth swells at or near the appendix, it can cause blockages which become
problematic and, overall, a gateway to obtaining appendicitis. As can be expected, when body

tissue is experiencing any sort of trauma, it may become inflamed—as is the case with the latter

diseases. Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis often cause ulcers to form within the digestive

tract, which can result in the life-threatening blockage. Similarly, the intestinal worms or

parasites inflicting pain upon the body can cause the lining of the gastrointestinal tract to be

inflamed, leading to obstruction. These happenings are all incredibly relevant to understanding

the disease in the fact that they lead to blockages which allow for infection to occur. As well, it is

true that infections of the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract, not necessarily resulting

from blockages, can be a major reason why one develops appendicitis. Regardless, once

infection manifests in this organ, it reacts predictably—bacteria within the organ multiply

exponentially, causing the organ to swell and, eventually, become filled with thick, bacteria and

dead-tissue infected pus. Thus, as is expected, the causes for appendicitis can lead to numerous

unpleasant symptoms for those suffering from the illness. While they can, at first, be mistaken

for common abdominal pain from indigestion, that is often ignored, the symptoms can become

incredibly severe and, eventually, lead to death if not taken seriously.

Unfortunately, appendicitis has a plethora of symptoms which are often overlooked

during the early stages of this disease. Generally, pain of the abdominal region is one of the most

common symptoms one may experience when battling this condition. However, in order to

narrow down whether the pain one is experiencing is due to appendicitis or other gastrointestinal

conditions, one should, more specifically, be aware of pain near the naval area and/ or the lower

right side of the abdomen—being that these are the regions closest to the inflamed appendix. As

well, one should be conscious of the intensity of the pain when performing various physical

activities. If the pain tends to worsen or increase as the individual makes sudden movements,
such as sneeze or cough, or even simply walk, this could indicate appendicitis. In correlation

with this, being that there is a blockage to the appendix, one may experience abdominal bloating.

While not a factor to consider alone, this, combined with the above issues may be cause for

concern. Similarly, the blockage in correlation with the infection that is spawning may result in

nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fever. Once again, these symptoms

may seem as though they do not associate with the diagnosis of appendicitis. However, being

that appendicitis results from blockages and infection, it is sensible to relate common intestinal

issues with this condition. Regardless of the quotidian, normal quality these symptoms may seem

to give off, it is essential that individuals take action if they are experiencing any of these

symptoms—especially lower right abdominal pain—as taking action can actually save their life.

Unfortunately, as with any illness, if symptoms are simply ignored, complications can occur,

which makes this usually easily treatable illness life-threatening. For instance, the longer one

puts off treatment for appendicitis, the more likely he/ she will suffer from a ruptured appendix.

This, obviously, should be avoided, not only because it is painful, but because, being that the

appendix was filled with pus, a rupture tends to cause peritonitis to occur. In the cases of

peritonitis, the bacteria that was previously confined to one’s appendix spreads throughout the

lining of the entire abdomen which can lead to internal organ damage, and in some cases, death.

Additionally, if an appendix bursts due to lack of treatment, an abscess may form from the

infection spreading. While not necessarily as problematic as peritonitis in itself, it does create

some complications in the treatment of the illness. Therefore, regardless of how mundane the

symptoms are, one should be conscious of them in order to prevent further devastation of the

body. However, overall, in the case of appendicitis, one should not simply wait to acquire the
symptoms to take action. Instead, action should be taken beforehand to take any measures to

prevent this illness and spare oneself any sort of pain.

While there is no direct way to completely prevent appendicitis, there are a variety of

ways in which one can go about in lowering their risk of obtaining this disease. For instance,

being that there are links between constipation leading to blockages which cause this illness, it is

wise to keep one’s gastrointestinal tract as healthy as possible. Statistically, it has been proven

that those eating a clean, healthy diet that is relatively high in fiber—incorporating a good deal

of fruit and vegetables into their eating habits—are less likely to suffer from appendicitis.

Similarly, being that the onset of this illness can be from pre-existing conditions, individuals

should always be in tune with their bodies to ensure their own well-being. Seeking treatment for

preexisting conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, swollen intestinal lymph

nodes, and parasites, will lessen the likelihood of inflammation and a blockage to the appendix.

Even treatment for illnesses as simple as bacterial infections, such as E. Coli, can not only

protect individuals from the issues that illness might entail but also the increased probability of

obtaining appendicitis. Regardless, overall, in the case that one was not able to successfully

prevent the onset of this illness, there are, luckily, a variety of treatment options to help bring

individuals back to their healthy state again.

The treatments for appendicitis are all incredible in both the variation as well as life-

saving ability. Most commonly, appendicitis is treated with some sort of surgery—which

principally depends on how severe a case one may have. Being that the appendix has been

deemed an organ without much of a purpose, many doctors agree that the best way of preventing

further complications is by completely ridding of the organ. In terms of operations, the two most

common means of treating appendicitis include open appendectomy and laparoscopic surgery.
During an open laparotomy appendectomy, a one 2-4 inch incision may be made in order to

allow for surgeons to properly remove the appendix, as well as resolve any other issues that may

have arose due to the illness. This type of surgery is, most often, a more intense means of

treatment. In the case that the appendix has ruptured or infection has spread, an open

appendectomy is a more appropriate means of treatment, being that it allows the surgeon more

easy access to the infected area. Conversely, during a laparoscopic appendectomy, several small

incisions may be made in the abdominal region to allow for specific surgical tools and a camera

to enter the appendix and allow for removal of the infected organ. This “closed” surgery is ideal

for those not suffering from any sort of severe complications due to appendicitis. While not

suitable for all patients, the surgery proves to be beneficial to all those who receive it in the fact

that it allows for lessened pain and scarring as well as an, overall, shorter recovery time. Aside

from surgery, alone, however, there are other treatment options as well as other possible

procedures that need to be performed to bring individuals back to their full health. In the instance

that one does contract an abscess before seeking treatment, for example, control over the

infection may be secured through the placement of a tube through the abdominal region to drain

the growth. As well, it is true that in some circumstances, surgery or tubing is not necessary at

all. New research has shown that there is not always need to remove an inflamed appendix.

Studies have recently found that, so long as the appendicitis is detected early and there are no

complications with the case, the use of antibiotics alone as a means of treatment is plausible.

Therefore, it is certain that there are a number of treatment plans available for appendicitis—all

of which are specifically tailored to the level of care that is necessary for one’s particular case

and condition.
 Overall, the digestive system is an incredibly complex and important aspect of the human

body, and its proper functioning is absolutely necessary for every individual to survive and

thrive. Unfortunately, when diseases begin to afflict the gastrointestinal tract, individuals suffer

tremendous consequences. In the case of appendicitis, especially, the lack of proper

understanding of the disease as well as its likelihood to develop into a life-threatening condition

without immediate emergency care is detrimental to those affected. Regardless of the reason for

which it may be obtained, this disease affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United

States alone and, yet, is often misunderstood or overlooked when individuals try to self-diagnose.

As a whole, though, appendicitis is a painful illness which allows for the severe, yet common,

symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and swelling.

Thus, ideally one would like to protect themselves from this disease and, if necessary, seek

treatment if suffering. Fortunately, while not technically preventable, there are ways in which

individuals can reduce their chances of suffering from appendicitis, and there are a wide variety

of treatment options for those afflicted. Through healthy lifestyle choices, one can easily allow

for a lessened risk of this unfortunate illness. Furthermore, with treatments that can range

anywhere from antibiotics to surgery, there are ways in which one can alleviate the burden of

this disease. Therefore, in total, appendicitis is undoubtedly an incredibly undesirable condition,

but with improvements in medication, technology, and awareness of healthy lifestyle choices it is

possible to decrease the number of sufferers and create a healthier world.

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