Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen and infected. It affects about 5% of the population across the globe. Appendicitis can be caused by a blockage within the appendix, which causes blood flow issues, inflammation, infection and pressure. The appendix can rupture if not treated on time. The pain caused due to appendicitis should not be ignored, as delay in seeking medical help can lead to the bursting of the appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis. Home remedies are of no help in treating this condition. However, you may follow some home remedies for a smooth recovery after Appendicectomy ( a surgical procedure to remove the appendix).
The appendix is a small finger-shaped organ connected to the large intestine on the right side of the abdomen. Its exact function is unknown and it is possible to live without one. Appendicitis is a condition that causes the appendix to swell, become inflamed and fill with pus. This can result in a lot of discomforts. Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in people in their teens and twenties. An inflamed appendix can cause slow and dull pain in the abdomen. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can spread bacteria throughout the abdominal cavity. These bacteria cause peritonitis, a potentially fatal infection that can result in death.
The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins near the belly button, progressing lower and to the right. Other symptoms may include:
Appendicitis in children may generally not show typical symptoms. A person may also have a frequent and urgent need to urinate, though this is extremely uncommon. Anyone experiencing progressively worsening abdominal pain should seek medical attention. Symptoms of other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may be similar. Nonetheless, all of these conditions necessitate immediate medical attention to avoid any fatal complications.
The exact cause of appendicitis is unknown in many cases. It is believed to develop when a section of the appendix becomes obstructed or blocked. Many things can obstruct your appendix, including:
Anyone can get appendicitis. However, some people may be more prone to developing this condition than others. Appendicitis risk factors include:
If the abdominal pain is due to appendicitis,you should never rely on home remedies as there are high chances that it might burst and can cause complications,treatment under the supervision of a general surgeon is of utmost importance
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD,CCEBDM
Appendicitis can lead to serious complications if your appendix ruptures, allowing faeces and bacteria to enter your abdominal cavity. A ruptured appendix can cause a variety of painful and potentially fatal infections, including:
To manage and prevent complications, it is best to speak to a healthcare specialist.
Although appendicitis is usually confused with a regular abdominal pain, costly l consulting a physician for physical examination, undergoing imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scan in case of severe and persistent sudden abdominal pain is crucial.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Appendicitis starts with a dull pain in the abdominal cavity and then wreaks havoc on the whole body as days pass. Consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised. You will most likely have to undergo immediate surgery. Appendix surgeries are safe and your doctor will recommend medicines, rest and a proper diet that will help you recover fast after the surgery. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions and you can also discuss with them about following a list of home remedies that have been shown to be effective for patients recovering from appendix surgery.
It may take some time to return to your pre-appendicectomy diet. Eating smaller portions more frequently, such as 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day, can aid in the gradual return to the regular diet. It is critical to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids after appendectomy to avoid constipation and bowel problems. Include foods that contain bromelain, an enzyme that aids in pain relief and wound healing. Zinc deficiency in the diet can interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanism. Choose food that is healthy and easy to digest.
Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C plays an important role in all aspects of wound healing, from neutrophil clearance to scab formation. To ensure a speedy recovery from internal wounds, a vitamin C-rich diet is essential. The highest sources of ascorbic acid or vitamin C are amlas, strawberries, limes, kiwi fruits, red capsicum, guavas, oranges, grapefruit and cauliflower.
Mung beans or green grams contain antibacterial agents, which makes them an ideal post-surgery recovery food. They are regarded as stomach-cooling food. Doctors and practitioners recommend eating one tablespoon of rinsed and soaked green gram every day, either raw, steamed or lightly microwaved. For best results, consume it three times per day.
Rest is essential after appendix surgery, but so is light activity. When you’re ready, gradually increase your activity level. Short walks, even around the house, are a great place to start and can help prevent pneumonia and blood clots. An added benefit is that being active encourages your digestive system to return to normalcy sooner. Constipation can be excruciating, so include some doctor-approved exercise in your daily routine, drink plenty of fluids and take stool softeners if your doctor recommends them.
If you recently had an appendectomy, you will most likely be in bed for an extended period of time. Before attempting any exercises while in bed, consult your doctor. If your doctor approves, begin with simple leg pumps and lifts to improve blood flow and circulation in the lower parts of your body. Furthermore, performing bed exercises can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in your lower extremities. Perform these exercises every hour while lying in bed.
After a few weeks of rest, begin gentle walking and avoid strengthening exercises t. Begin by sitting on the edge of a bed with your feet hanging off the edge. Lift your legs up until they are parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight and core tight. Hold for a few seconds before slowly lowering your legs back to their original position. Repeat until you’re exhausted.
A person may experience severe pain following surgery. Massage alleviates acute pain by promoting recovery and relieving tension. It causes friction between the skin and the fingers, which increases blood flow to the area. A post-appendectomy massage at home can be very relaxing and help to relieve tension. Make sure you consult your doctor about the recovery and get a massage once allowed.
When a person undergoes surgery, the body’s natural response is to halt normal activity so that it can focus on uninterrupted healing. That means you’ll be sleeping a lot more than usual for at least the first week or so after surgery. This period of reduced physical activity is critical, especially after abdominal surgery, either open or laparoscopic. This is because your surgeon had to cut through the visible external muscles and the innermost layer of the abdominal wall, which holds your internal organs in place. If you resume your normal activities before the inner layer has healed, you may develop a hernia, in which part of your intestine squeezes out of the abdominal cavity.
Appendicitis is a serious condition and surgery needs to be done as soon as possible. The post-surgery recovery stage is equally important as the body needs to heal itself. During this period, make sure that you get plenty of rest, eat well and slowly incorporate your daily activities back into your life.
If you have appendicitis, there is a serious risk that your appendix may burst. This can happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after you start having symptoms. Because of this, appendicitis is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Appendicitis can be caused by infections in your digestive tract such as viruses, bacteria or parasites. It could also happen if the tube connecting your large intestine and appendix becomes blocked or trapped by stool or worms. Tumours can occasionally cause appendicitis. The appendix becomes painful and swollen as a result.
Appendicitis usually begins with a pain in the middle of your stomach (abdomen) that comes and goes. Within hours, the pain spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen, where the appendix is usually found and becomes constant and severe. Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may aggravate the pain.
Some of the fruit seeds consumed are naturally excreted from the body, while others can cause appendicitis. Appendicitis has been linked to the seeds of vegetables and fruits such as cacao, orange, melon, barley, oat, fig, grape, date, cumin and nut.
Surgery to remove the appendix is the standard treatment for appendicitis. This procedure is known as Appendicectomy. Antibiotics are sometimes used while the diagnosis is being made, but most doctors agree that antibiotics cannot cure appendicitis.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that causes severe abdominal pain. Located at the end of the large intestine, the appendix is a small tube-like structure that has no discernible purpose. Infection usually results in inflammation of the appendix due to blockages caused in the blood supply for any reason. In India, approximately 0.34% of school-age children have suffered from Appendicitis. As for adults in India, approximately 0.25% suffer from Appendicitis.
Appendicitis results from a blockage within the appendix known as appendicitis lumen. When bacteria or viruses infect the digestive tract, they cause swelling of the lymph nodes, which squeezes the appendix and causes obstructions. As a result, the appendix becomes inflamed, under pressure or blood flow is impaired. Appendicitis may also be caused by trauma to the abdomen or genetic factors. An untreated obstruction could result in a ruptured appendix, resulting in major complications.
Did You Know?
The pain of appendicitis may start in the center of the abdomen, may come and go, but within a couple of hours it may go to the right lower side of your abdomen suggesting a classical sign of appendicitis.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
A healthy diet can have a positive impact on your health. Including certain foods can be helpful in dealing with your appendicitis symptoms and help in lowering the pain. On the other hand, there are certain food habits that can make your Appendicitis worse and must be avoided.
Getting it removed surgically may be important in certain cases where the pain is persistent, severe and associated with multiple repaired of vomiting and doesn’t resolve on its own.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Avoid these food habits to make your Appendicitis become worse. Speak to a doctor about what to eat and avoid during Appendicitis and post-surgery for recovery. Every person is different and dietary restrictions may vary based on your underlying medical conditions.
In appendicitis the goal is early surgery, so once appendicitis is confirmed the patient should have nothing by mouth till surgery is finished. After surgery it is advised to have soft diet.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Appendicitis is a painful condition that needs immediate medical attention and surgery; however, there are certain foods that, if included in your regular diet, can help you deal with your Appendicitis better. A well-balanced diet is essential to keep yourself safe and healthy, including vegetable and fruit juices and protein can be good for Appendicitis. You should be sure to seek immediate help for Appendicitis because if it ruptures inside, the infection can spread and make things worse. Along with the above-mentioned foods, make sure to bring about positive lifestyle changes like quitting alcohol.
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A healthy diet that includes vegetable juices and fruits can help you deal with your Appendicitis better and lower abdominal pain. However, these foods can never cure your Appendicitis. To get rid of Appendicitis completely and prevent any serious complications, you must opt for surgery or treatment as advised by a doctor.
If you notice symptoms similar to Appendicitis, avoid unhealthy food. It is dangerous to eat and drink unhealthy or use pain remedies, antacids, laxatives or heating pads, which can rupture an inflamed appendix. Consult a doctor about the food that can be consumed when dealing with Appendicitis.
Eggs come under a soft diet which is easy to digest and good for Appendicitis. A soft diet includes foods such as milk, fruit juices, boiled potatoes or soups, in addition to eggs.
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