Appendicitis
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix, a small finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes swollen and painful. This usually happens because something blocks it, leading to an infection. The appendix is located in the lower right side of your stomach.
Many people wonder why we have an appendix if it does not have a clear function. Some people call it the vermiform appendix because it looks like an earthworm, but it does not play a major role in digestion. However, when it becomes inflamed, it can cause serious health problems.
How common is appendicitis in Africa?
Appendicitis affects many people in Africa, but it is often misunderstood. Research shows that about 1 in 10 people will experience appendicitis at some point in their life. It is most common among children and young adults between 10 and 30 years old and is slightly more common in men than women. In many parts of Africa, people do not seek treatment early due to fear of surgery or traditional beliefs, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
Common myths about appendicitis?
Many Africans have heard different stories about what causes appendicitis. Let’s clear up some of the common myths:
- Eating fruit seeds (like guava or tomato seeds) causes appendicitis. False! There is no scientific proof that eating seeds leads to appendicitis.
- Exercising after eating can cause appendicitis. False! While exercising immediately after eating can cause discomfort, it does not cause appendicitis.
- Eating cassava or cassava-based foods like gari leads to appendicitis. False! No food directly causes appendicitis.
What causes appendicitis?
Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes blocked, leading to infection and swelling. Some common causes include:
- Constipation: Hardened stool (waste) can block the appendix.
- Enlarged lymph nodes: These can press against the appendix, blocking it.
- Intestinal worms: Common in some African communities, these worms can sometimes block the appendix.
- Injury to the stomach: A strong hit to the stomach can lead to swelling and blockage.
- Tumors: In rare cases, abnormal growths can block the appendix.
Symptoms of appendicitis?
Appendicitis starts with mild pain and gets worse over time. Look out for these signs:
- Sudden pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side
- Pain that gets worse when walking, coughing, or making sudden movements
- Nausea (feeling like vomiting) and actual vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and chills
- Swelling in the lower right side of the stomach
- Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can be dangerous.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose appendicitis by:
- Asking about your symptoms and medical history.
- Pressing on the lower right side of your stomach to check for pain.
- Performing tests such as:
- Blood tests to check for infection.
- Urine tests to rule out other conditions like urinary infections or kidney stones.
- Ultrasound or scans to check for swelling in the appendix.
How is appendicitis treated?
The most common treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix (appendicectomy). Doctors may also give:
- Antibiotics to treat infection before and after surgery.
- Pain relievers to reduce discomfort.
- Fluids through a drip to keep the body hydrated.
- Draining of pus in cases where an abscess has formed.
Surgery is safe and common. Many people recover fully within a few weeks.
What happens if appendicitis is not treated?
If appendicitis is not treated, the appendix can burst, releasing harmful bacteria into the stomach. This can cause:
- A serious infection called peritonitis, which can spread in the stomach.
- A life-threatening condition called sepsis, where the infection spreads to the whole body.
- Death if medical treatment is not received in time.
Final message: Take appendicitis seriously?
Appendicitis is a serious condition, but it can be treated if detected early. If you experience sharp stomach pain, especially in the lower right side, do not ignore it. Visit a hospital or clinic immediately. Early treatment can save your life.