Your appendix can be found in the lower right area of your belly. Of course, this is unless it has been removed through a surgical procedure known as appendectomy. This surgery is used to prevent complications or stop further issues that could arise because of an infected appendix. This sort of infection is known as appendicitis. Starting with uncertainties regarding the functions of the appendix, this IST Health welfare post will discuss some things to know about the appendix.
Summary
Uncertainties about the Appendix
When you think medical science has discovered enough about the human body, questions about the appendix make you think twice. The truth is that there is still more to be known about the functions of this organ as a lot is unknown about this organ.
Here are two very important things that we know about this organ. First, infection of the appendix can turn out to be severe for the abdomen and even the entire body. For this reason, people should not make light of this organ. People who show signs and symptoms suggesting appendicitis should seek medical help at the hospital.
The other important thing we know about this organ is that people can live fine without the appendix. So, there are little or no worries if your healthcare service provider has to remove it because of appendicitis.
Should the Appendix Be Removed?
It may have to be removed if it is infected. A doctor should make this decision at your clinic after a proper diagnosis. The decision to extract it could also be an emergency procedure when it is clear that the appendix is very infected and/or has burst open. Its state will be properly reviewed using tests that will inform the doctor’s decision. In some cases of an infected appendix, appendectomy is not the best option. The use of antibiotics is a common treatment option in such cases.
Usually, the decision to remove it happens when the infection is in a worse state. This could be if the appendix is likely to burst very soon or if this has even happened. Some complications that could arise as a result include peritonitis and (most definitely) severe pain.
A burst-open infected appendix can infect the blood, the large and/or small intestine, and the belly at large. This is why peritonitis is just one of several health risk factors that could set in.
Signs and Symptoms of Appendix Pain
Several issues can be responsible for abdominal pain. However, some clear-cut signs and symptoms of appendix pain include:
Fever
The severity of the fever may indicate how ruptured the appendix is. By the way, it also comes with chills.
Nausea & Vomiting
This happens because appendicitis disrupts the normal operations of the digestive system. It can even affect the time it takes the body to digest food.
Painful Urination
Other than just seeking immediate solutions to painful urination, you should get to the root of the matter. It could be a urinary tract infection. It can also be appendicitis, as well as many other things. What should be done is seek immediate medical care if you experience painful urination. Time is also of the essence as medical care should be sought as soon as possible.
Pain in the Appendix Area
You can find the appendix on the right side of the abdomen. The problem could be appendicitis if you feel pain on this side of your body.
Constipation, Cramps, and Difficulty Passing Out Gas
Appendicitis causes blockage in the intestine area. As a result, bowel movement is adversely affected. This can result in constipation, abdominal cramping, and difficulty passing out gas.
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