Appendicitis

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Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a thin tube-shaped structure that protrudes from the first section of the large intestine. The appendix can become inflamed due either to an anatomical obstruction or a blockage of hardened feces. This inflammation can rapidly develop into an infection.

Symptoms of appendicitis usually begin with pain around the navel that intensifies over several hours and moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This area will be very tender to even light pressure, and you may find yourself instinctively holding or protecting it. Many people also experience decreased appetite, vomiting, and fever. You may have diarrhea as well, and extending your right leg may make the pain worse.

An inflamed appendix can burst, causing a life-threatening infection of the abdominal wall. If this happens, you will rapidly become very ill, with a fever, pale color, and severe abdominal pain. Although continuous abdominal pain is a key indicator of appendicitis, some people experience a milder onset of pain that comes and goes over several days before setting in as constant and severe. If you suspect appendicitis, seek immediate medical care.

In order to diagnose appendicitis, a doctor will want to know details of when the pain began and the location and quality of the pain. Your doctor will do an abdominal and rectal exam, take a sample of blood to took for signs of an infection, and might order an x-ray or ultrasound scan to look for signs of blockage of inflammation.

General recommendations of appendicitis

To ensure a full and strong recovery after surgery, adequate rest is essential. Limit visitors and create a calm and familiar environment.

Once you are discharged from the hospital, expect periods of fatigue. As soon as your doctor permits, resuming your daily routine is fine, although you may need more rest than usual until you fully recover your strength. To help increase your energy level, you can take a B-complex supplement for two weeks. Taking 500 milligrams of American ginseng at approximately 11:00 AM each day can also be helpful.

Contact sports, heavy lifting, and abdominal exercise must be avoided for as long as your doctor recommends, probably for six to eight weeks after surgery.

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