Appendicitis is the most common of all serious intestinal disorders. It refers to an inflammation of the vermiform appendix. It presents itself in acute and chronic forms and affects both the sexes equally.
This disease now accounts for about half the acute, abdominal emergencies occurring between the ages of 10 and 30. It is more frequent in developed countries than in underdeveloped countries.
The appendix is a small tube located at the end of the caecum, the first part of the large intestine. It is usually three to four inches long. It structure is made of the same tough fibrous outer covering as protects the entire alimentary canal.
There is a layer of muscular tissue under the outer covering and then a layer of lymphoid tissue. The function of the appendix, which is performed by this lymphoid tissue,is to neutralise the irritating waste material generated in the body or the organic poisons introduced through the skin or membranes.
Symptoms
Appendicitis usually begins with a sudden pain in the centre of the abdomen, which gradually shifts to the lower right side. The pain may be preceded by general discomfort in the abdomen, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation.
The patient usually has a mild fever varying from 100 o to 102 o F. Nausea is common, and the patient may vomit once or twice. The muscles of the right side of the abdomen become tense and rigid. The patient gets some comfort by drawing up the right leg.
The pain increases on the right side on pressing the left side of the abdomen. Coughing and sneezing makes the pain worse.
If the inflammation continues to increase, the appendix may rupture and discharge its pus into the abdominal cavity. This may result in a serious state known as peritonitis. The temperature rises and the patient becomes pale and clammy.
This condition may call for urgent operation. In the chronic state of appendicitis, the patient may suffer from recurrent pain in the right lower abdomen with constipation, loss of appetite and mild nausea.
Causes
Appendicitis is caused by a toxic bowel condition. When an excessive amount of poisonous waste material is accumulated in the caecum, the appendix is irritated and over-worked and becomes inflammed. It is an attempt on the part of nature to localise and ‘burn-up’ the toxins.
This condition is brought about by wrong food habits and enervation of the system. Inflammation of the bowel lining due to the habitual use of aperient drugs (laxatives), is a potent predisposing factor in the development of appendicitis.
Further inflammation and infection comes from certain germs which are usually present in the intestinal tract.