Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Digestive Disorders > Intestinal > Appendicitis
Appendicitis, or epityphlitis, is a condition characterised by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock.
Causes
The causes of appendicitis are generally unknown, but the leading theory is that obstruction of the appendiceal orifice is the inciting factor. Obstruction may come from fecal matter lodged in the appendix, impaction of mucous, a small tumor (such as a carcinoid), or even a small blood clot. Viral infections, which can cause ulceration of the lining, can also lead to obstruction of the appendix through proliferation of lymphatic tissue in its walls. A viral etiology is a possible explanation for seasonal variations in rates of appendicitis and clustering of cases. Regardless of the cause, obstruction of the appendix may lead to progressive appendiceal distension. This distension increases the pressure within the appendix, which in turn impairs its blood supply. Deprived of blood, the appendix loses the ability to fight infection and fecal bacteria begin to grow out of control. Although spontaneous recovery can rarely occur, with time and lack of treatment the walls of the appendix eventually become gangrenous from the infection and lack of blood flow. As bacteria begin to leak out through the dying walls, pus forms within and around the appendix (suppuration). The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing peritonitis, which may lead to septicemia and eventually death.
Although the model described above is traditionally taught in medical schools, histories of patients operated for appendicitis do not often correlate well with such a single disease progression. Specifically, those with atypical histories have findings at surgery that are consistent with a suppurative process that starts at the onset of symptoms and then smolders. Patients with typical histories may have findings suggesting resolution. Histories to suggest rupture of the appendix while patients are being diagnostically observed are exceedingly rare.
More on [ Appendicitis ]
My brother Joe is in the hospital, most likely because he has appendicitis. He should be getting his appendix out later â¦http://lnk.ms/3W6rV
remyrice (Brandon James Rice) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:35:33 -0000
My brother Joe is in the hospital, most likely because he has appendicitis. He should be getting his appendix out later …http://lnk.ms/3W6rV
i think i have appendicitis
jettydee (tara zeitoun) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:29:25 -0000
i think i have appendicitis
@dianadell Hope you are feeling better & recover soon! Now you can update the Wikipedia entry for Appendicitis http://j.mp/4GYP6S
EdTech4Me (L Winebrenner) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:14:17 -0000
@dianadell Hope you are feeling better & recover soon! Now you can update the Wikipedia entry for Appendicitis http://j.mp/4GYP6S
@shaguftah_ some said appendicitis n some said uterus sthg dun know... she went thru minor operation !
aimeyeteaa (Aimeyeteaa ) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:12:56 -0000
@shaguftah_ some said appendicitis n some said uterus sthg dun know... she went thru minor operation !
@chedna at 1st dey suspected appendicitis. After ultra sound, blood works n cat scan no findings except a stuck st http://tl.gd/1a29l
BonJorn0 (Jorn olimpiada) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:33:08 -0000
@chedna at 1st dey suspected appendicitis. After ultra sound, blood works n cat scan no findings except a stuck st http://tl.gd/1a29l
@ashtonc Appendicitis?!? When did that happen!
samandfuzzy (Sam Logan) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:41:47 -0000
@ashtonc Appendicitis?!? When did that happen!
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