Health Bulletin

September 2013
Appendicitis
Appendicitis Overview
The appendix is a narrow tubular pouch that is attached to the intestines. When the appendix is blocked, it
becomes inflamed and results in the condition known as appendicitis. If the blockage continues, the inflamed
tissue becomes infected with bacteria and begins to die from a lack of blood supply, which finally results in
the appendix bursting.

Appendicitis is a common condition that affects 6% of the population sometime during their lifetimes.
Although it most commonly occurs among those between the ages of 10-30 years, it can occur at any age.
Increased vigilance is required for the very young and old because these people have a higher rate of
complications.
Appendicitis Causes
There is no clear cause of appendicitis. Fecal material has been thought to be one possible obstructing
object.
Appendicitis Symptoms
Appendicitis typically begins with a vague pain in the middle of the abdomen. The pain slowly moves to the
right lower abdomen over 24 hours. In the classic description, abdominal pain is accompanied with nausea,
vomiting, lack of appetite, and fever. These symptoms, however, occur in fewer than half of people who
develop appendicitis. Any combination of these symptoms may or may not occur. More commonly, people
with appendicitis do not have typical symptoms.
 The symptoms of appendicitis may take 4-48 hours to develop. During this time, someone developing
this condition may have varying degrees of loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Some with
developing appendicitis may have constipation, diarrhea, or no change in bowel habits.
 Early symptoms are often hard to separate from other conditions including gastroenteritis (an
inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Many people admitted to the hospital for suspected
appendicitis leave the hospital with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. On the other hand, true appendicitis
is often diagnosed as gastroenteritis at first.
 Children and the elderly often have fewer symptoms, which makes their diagnosis less obvious.

Appendicitis Treatment - Self-Care at Home

There is no home care for appendicitis. If the condition is suspected, avoid eating or drinking excessive fluids
because this may complicate surgery later on. If you are thirsty, you may rinse your mouth with water. Do not
take (or give your child) laxatives, antibiotics, or pain medications because they may cause rupture of the
appendix or mask the symptoms, which would make diagnosis more difficult.
Surgery
The best treatment for appendicitis requires surgery to remove the appendix (the operation is called an
appendectomy)—before the appendix opens or ruptures. While awaiting surgery, you will be given IV fluids to
keep hydrated. You will not be allowed to eat or drink because doing so may cause complications with the
anesthesia during surgery.
Prevention
There is no way of predicting when appendicitis will occur. It cannot be prevented.
Outlook
 With uncomplicated appendicitis, most people recover with no long-term problems.
 If the appendix ruptures, there is a greater than 10 times risk of complications, including death. This
increase in risk generally is found in the very young, elderly, and those with weakened immune
systems, including people with diabetes.
 Whether a perforated appendix is a significant risk for infertility has not been well established. Some
experts recommend this be considered in young women who might be at risk.

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