KAWI, DUSTY T.

APPENDICITIS
WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

1.) DEFINITION
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a

finger-shaped pouch that projects from your colon

on the lower right side of your abdomen. It's a

medical emergency that almost always requires

surgery as soon as possible to remove the

appendix.

2.) CAUSES OF APPENDICITIS

Appendicitis is caused by the blockage of the appendix

followed by invasion of bacteria of the wall of the appendix.

Appendicitis happens when the appendix gets blocked, often

by poop, a foreign body, or cancer. Blockage may also result

from infection, since the appendix can swell in response to

any infection in the body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

LOSS OF SHARP
APPETITE STOMACH
PAIN
FEVER

WEAKNESS NAUSEA AND BOWEL

VOMITING DISORDERS

4.) MYTHS
Eating seeds or beans can cause appendicitis

Working after eating causes appendicitis

Playing, jumping, running after eating causes appendicitis

Sleeping/ lying down after eating causes appendicitis

Removal of appendix can cause colon cancer

5.) TREATMENT
Appendicitis is almost always treated as an

emergency. Surgery to remove the appendix, which is

called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for

almost all cases of appendicitis. If the abscess is small,

it initially can be treated with antibiotics; however, an

abscess usually requires drainage.

6.) APPENDICITIS COMPLICATIONS

Left untreated, an inflamed appendix will burst, spilling

bacteria and debris into the abdominal cavity, the central

part of your body that holds your liver, stomach, and

intestines. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious

inflammation of the abdominal cavity's lining (the

peritoneum). It can be deadly unless it is treated quickly

with strong antibiotics.

WebMD (2020). Appendicitis. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitis#1

Gonzales, S. (2014). Hits and myths: appendicitis. Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health/article/1412640/hits-and-myths-appendicitis

mages are taken from: Google Images.