What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix (a small organ that extends from the colon or the large intestine adjacent to the caecum) gets inflamed.
It is a common condition that can occur when symptoms develop suddenly (acute cases) or that develop gradually over a period of time (chronic case). The patient may experience pain in the stomach and if left untreated may cause serious complications.
Causes of Appendicitis
There are no specific causes but is attributed to the blockage of the appendix that may occur due to:
- Physical injury to the organ.
- Trauma during surgery to the organ.
- Presence of an excess amount of hardened stool.
- Intestinal worms.
- Tumours
Symptoms of Appendicitis
You may experience:
- Pain (like that in cramps) in the stomach area -lower abdominal area or upper portion that may radiate to the belly button.
- Vomiting.
- loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Intestinal issues like constipation, flatulence (gas) or being unable to pass gas, diarrhoea, or indigestion.
- Mild fever and malaise (feeling discomfort or tired) in some cases.
