By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
In medical parlance, the suffix “itis” means “inflammation”. So appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that is attached to the large intestine or colon at the right lower side of your abdomen. It is theorized that the appendix is part of our immune system, especially during childhood. It helps us fight disease.
Appendicitis maybe caused by various infections in the digestive tract like virus or bacteria. Or may be caused by a blockage of the entrance by mucus, fecal matter or parasites.
Anybody can get appendicitis but usually occurs in people between 10 to 30 years old.
Classical signs and symptoms are:
– Sudden pain at right side of abdomen that worsens when you cough, walk or jump
(site of pain, though, may vary)
– Tenderness in right lower abdomen (painful when you press the area)
– Usually gets worse as time goes on
Other symptoms may include the following:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– Fever/ chills
– Diarrhea or constipation
Do not take pain medicines as these will mask the symptoms. It is important to monitor how the pain progresses. The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. This surgical procedure is called appendectomy. Usually, appendicitis is an emergency as the appendix may rupture if untreated within 3 days. If it ruptures, the pus and feces will spread to the abdominal cavity making the surgery more difficult and recovery longer. In uncomplicated appendectomy, the patient can be up and about in a few days. You can live a normal life without an appendix.
Can appendicitis be prevented? What science had researched is that appendicitis is less common in people who eat healthy, people who eat fiber-rich foods like:
– Unpolished rice (brown or red)
– Vegetables and vegetables
– Beans/legumes
– Fruits in season
Eating healthy also means less of meat, sugar, dairy and artificial additives. Happy Valentine’s!
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Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
