The appendix is an organ that does not have an official purpose. Sure, there are theories surrounding why nature put it there in the first place, but for the most part scientists don't know. Besides, when people get the appendix removed due to appendicitis they seem to live just fine. But there is a problem... the appendicitis itself. If a person doesn't get their appendix removed in time when it is inflicted with appendicitis, they can die.

So, what exactly is appendicitis, and what are the symptoms a person can look for? Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes inflamed for no apparent reason. It can happen to anyone at any time, though it tends to strike more when an individual is between the ages of 10 and 30. As far as symptoms, the most signature one is pain in the abdomen. It should be noted that appendicitis pain is not like the type of pain you get from gas or indigestion. It is very excruciating and can debilitate a person. Laying on one's side with their knees towards their chest can ease the pain a little bit, but for the most part the only way appendicitis pain can be gotten rid of is through removal of the appendix.

What happens if a person does not go to the doctor and get the appendix removed when appendicitis initially attacks? The consequences are dire, as the appendicitis will progress to a point that it causes the appendix to burst. And although this rupture may result in immediate relief from the initial appendicitis pain, it is a condition that can be very deadly. This is because when the appendix ruptures, it releases pus and infectious organisms into the abdominal cavity. The result could be the formation of an appendiceal abscess. This is the body's way of trying to wall off the harmful contents that were released due to the advanced appendicitis. However, such protection won't last long as the abscess can also burst, resulting in peritonitis. Either way, it is important to get treated way before appendicitis gets to such a point.

If appendicitis is caught before the organ bursts, diagnosis is pretty positive, though the situation is still serious. On the other hand, treating peritonitis can be more difficult. Surgery may be needed to remove the abscess.. if a patient is well enough to undergo surgical intervention. If not doctors will prescribe antibiotics to try and get rid of any infections that may have occurred due to the burst appendix.

In conclusion, appendicitis is a very serious illness that cannot be taken lightly. If you or a loved one have any unusual abdominal pain, go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible. It is a lot easier treating appendicitis before the appendix bursts, than treating it afterwards. So, don't wait. Going to the Emergency Room at the right time could mean the difference between life or death for the appendicitis victim. Indeed, appendicitis is definitely not a disease that can be messed around with.

Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is a serious disease that affects around 7 percent of the population. But don't think that because the number of acute appendicitis is relatively low that you can't get the disease. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 30 can get acute appendicitis. To make matters worse, the medical community doesn't fully know what causes appendicitis. Some people will get acute appendicitis because of an obstruction of food or fecal matter, others may get it in response to an infection. Either way, when acute appendicitis happens, a person must get prompt medical treatment as the condition is life-threatening.

So, why is acute appendicitis so dangerous if the appendix itself is a 'useless' organ, (at least in the minds of medical researchers)? Well, acute appendicitis is not dangerous because of the appendix malfunctioning, at least initially. Once the appendix is removed, a person can live a healthy life without it. What causes problems is if the appendix bursts due to the disease getting worse. When this happens all of the harmful contents that were contained within the appendix gets released into the abdominal area. This results in an infection which can be deadly if not treated with antibiotics.

Fortunately, as long as a person is sent to the doctor in time, acute appendicitis can be cured, though the sufferer will have to undergo surgery to get their appendix removed. This process... may result in a lot of pain, though painkillers can be given to ease the discomfort. But other than that, a person should not have to worry about any further repercussions from not having an appendix. In fact, with the appendix gone they get assurance that they will never have to worry about acute appendicitis again.

And yet, if there was a way to avoid having to suffer the condition in the first place, taking the necessary preventative measures would be a lot easier than having to go through surgery. There is just one problem with this thought process... the medical community does not know how a person can prevent getting appendicitis. Some evidence suggests that eating a healthy high-fiber diet will help flush the appendix, (along with preventing build-up of fecal matter), but such things cannot guarantee a person won't get acute appendicitis. Yet, shouldn't a person be eating in this manner anyway? True, it won't 100% prevent an acute appendicitis attack, but it could make you less prone to one. Besides eating healthy helps prevent other problems.

In conclusion, acute appendicitis is a mysterious disease surrounding a mysterious organ. But, despite the uncertainty, the medical community pretty much has things under control when it comes to treating the condition. Of course, this is only if the person is sent to the Emergency Room once the symptoms start. These symptoms include excruciating abdominal pain that won't go away, a fever and bowel problems. Granted, many people may think these symptoms are indicative of stomach bug, but if they were they would go away very quickly. With acute appendicitis the symptoms persist until the person gets the treatment they need.


source: http://www.appendicitissymptoms.org/