Infections and Inflammations

An infection is the condition of multiplication of parasitic organisms or microorganisms within the body. An inflammation is the reactions that occur in the affected blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal stimulation caused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent. Many people use the terms interchangeably since they have several symptoms in common and usually are treated similarly.

Appendicitis :: Pancreatitis :: Cholecystitis :: Peritonitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small worm-like pouch attached to the large bowel. It can happen at any age but most cases are between 8 and 25 years of age. For young people, appendicitis is probably the most common cause of stomach pain requiring emergency surgery.

Causes

In most cases, the specific reason for the inflammation is not known but it is due to blocking of the opening connecting the large intestine and appendix. In many cases it is caused by small pieces of hardened stool (fecaliths) that get stuck in the appendix.

Symptoms

The first sign is usually a pain or discomfort in the centre of the abdomen. The pain usually begins near the umbilicus and moves down and to the right. This pain comes and goes in waves and increases on movement. Pain is often thought at first to be a simple stomach upset.

Other symptoms are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Inability to pass gas
• Low fever that begins after other symptoms
• Abdominal swelling
• Anorexia

Diagnoses

• The doctor takes a medical history from the patient and checks their temperature
   
• Blood and urine tests are performed to look for infection
   
• The doctor examines the patient by pressing on the lower right part of the abdomen and sometimes by inserting a finger in the anus (rectal exam) in order to exclude other causes of pain
   
• Women are often given a vaginal examination

There is no one test that will diagnose appendicitis with certainty. Usually doctors use CT scan or ultrasound to see whether the appendix looks inflamed. Surgery is performed on the basis of the doctor's examination and results of the tests. Many diseases can cause the same symptoms as appendicitis.

Course of Illness

The inflammation can cause infection or rupture of the appendix. Because of the risk of rupture, appendicitis is considered an emergency. Anyone with symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately.

Treatment

• Surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. In the majority of cases, this is done through a laparoscopic approach (minimally invasive surgery). In some cases, when inflammation is more advanced, it may be necessary to do an open surgery utilizing a larger incision