Does the right side of your stomach hurt? Could it be appendicitis?

Imagine that you suddenly have a stomachache. It starts around your navel and gradually spreads to the lower right side of your abdomen. You can't eat and you even vomit. This is not a normal stomachache, it is very likely to be an emergency called appendicitis. Let's be aware of this, because it is very important to act quickly.

Simply put, what is appendicitis?

Simply put, appendicitis is an inflammation or infection of the appendix. Some people also call it appendicitis . The appendix is ​​a 3-4 inch long, worm-like tube that is attached to the beginning of the large intestine. It is located on the lower right side of the abdomen. Doctors are still not sure if it actually does anything to our health. But if it becomes inflamed and infected , it is a medical emergency. In most cases, the only treatment is to remove it through surgery. But don't worry, we can live a normal life without an appendix. There are two main types of appendicitis:

• Acute Appendicitis : This is the most common type. Symptoms begin suddenly and quickly become severe within a few hours.
• Chronic Appendicitis: This is a bit rare. Here, although the appendix is ​​swollen, it does not become severe all at once. The pain comes and goes over time. Sometimes, the pain can last for weeks, months, or even years. This makes it a bit difficult to diagnose this condition.

Why is this appendix swollen? What are the causes?

This condition occurs when something blocks the passage to the appendix. Think of it like a clogged drain. The contents inside can't get out, allowing bacteria to grow and causing an infection. There are several main reasons why this blockage can occur.

• Fecal stones: Sometimes stool can become dry and stone-like and get stuck in the mouth of the appendix. These can harbor bacteria and cause an infection.
• Lymphoid Hyperplasia: The lymphatic system is part of our immune system. When the body is exposed to an infection or virus, the cells in this system grow too much. Since the appendix also contains this lymphoid tissue, it can swell and block the passageway.
• GreatColitis: If there is an infection or inflammation in the colon , it can spread to the appendix.
• Tumors: Very rarely, a tumor can form in or around the appendix and block it.
• Parasites: Some parasites can enter the intestines and block the passage to the appendix.

Do you have these symptoms? This is how to recognize appendicitis

Although the symptoms of appendicitis can vary slightly from person to person, there are some common signs that are important to be aware of.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

Diagnosing appendicitis can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions. For example, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, uterine or ovarian problems, and other intestinal conditions can all cause similar symptoms. So, after your doctor examines you and listens to you carefully, they may order a few tests to confirm the condition.

• Physical examination : The doctor will palpate your abdomen and check for any swelling or tenderness.
• Blood Test : The number of white blood cells in the blood is checked to see if there is an infection inside the body.
• Urine Test: This helps rule out a urinary tract infection or something like kidney stones.
• Scans:
• Ultrasound Scan: This is useful to see if the appendix is ​​swollen.
• CT Scan: This is the most accurate way to diagnose appendicitis. It can clearly see the condition of the appendix, whether it has burst, or whether there is any infection around it.

Treatment: Appendectomy surgery

If appendicitis is confirmed, the treatment is often an appendectomy.The operation is to remove the infected appendix. It is best to do the operation as soon as possible, before the appendix bursts. Before the operation, antibiotics are given intravenously to control the infection. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will not feel anything. There are two main methods of performing the operation.

What happens after the surgery?

It is normal to have some pain and bruising around the incision for a few days after surgery. If you had keyhole surgery, you may experience shoulder pain due to gas in your stomach. This can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by your doctor. You should gradually get used to walking and doing normal activities. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately:

• Unstoppable vomiting
• If the stomach pain is getting worse
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Blood in vomit or blood in urine
• If the incision site becomes red, swollen, or painful
• If you have a fever
• If pus is coming from the wound

What happens if treatment is not given? (Complications)

If appendicitis is not treated promptly, the swollen appendix can rupture, spreading the stool and bacteria inside it throughout the abdominal cavity.

• Peritonitis: This is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria spread throughout the abdomen. It can be life-threatening . Therefore, the treatment for this condition involves strong antibiotics and surgery to thoroughly clean the abdomen.
• Abscess: Sometimes when the appendix bursts, pus collects around it and forms an abscess. This also needs to be treated.
• Intestinal obstruction (Ileus): Infection can temporarily stop the function of the intestines, preventing the passage of food and drink.

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