Have you ever heard the word appendicitis, and do you know what it means? Well, almost all of us know that the problem is related to the appendix, the tiny pouch-like structure that is present in the lower right side of the abdominal cavity, projecting from the beginning portion of the large intestine. We all have it inside of us but it does not really serve any purpose. Yes, you read that right, the appendix has no known function and the only time when people even speak about it is when they have appendicitis.
Marked by severe, and sometimes unbearable, pain on the lower right side of the abdomen, appendicitis is a condition marked by inflammation or swelling in the appendix which is usually triggered by an underlying infection.
Appendicitis is broadly classified into two different types depending upon the onset. These are acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis.
Acute appendicitis is more common and as per the top general surgeons in Gurgaon, the condition has been termed a medical emergency because there are very high risks of the inflamed appendix rupturing and infecting the peritoneum. This is known as peritonitis and is a significantly serious condition which can prove to be dangerous for your internal organs.
Chronic appendicitis is not as common and last for a comparatively longer period of time. The symptoms are mild and even unnoticeable at times. You may have it for days, months, or even years and it is not treated as a medical emergency. Unlike acute appendicitis, you may not necessarily need surgery and sometimes it can be managed with simple medication.
General surgeons in Gurgaon offer two different surgical options for removing the diseased appendix. You can either go for the laparoscopic surgery which is done via very small incisions, with the help of special surgical equipment and an imaging modality known as a laparoscope, are you can simply opt for the conventional surgery. The latter is usually recommended if the appendix has already ruptured, or there are other complications like an abscess, gastrointestinal tumour and prior abdominal surgeries.
To undergo the treatment it is very important to get diagnosed and this is possible only if you do not overlook your symptoms and consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms are nothing but an indication that suggests that something is wrong. We all know that people with appendicitis are likely to experience pain in the lower right side of the abdomen but this is not the only symptom that suggests the prevalence of appendicitis. There are several other symptoms that could be pointing towards the possibility of the condition and as such, it is important to know about all of these.
Here are a few symptoms associated with appendicitis that you should never overlook:
You will experience pain and discomfort in the area around the navel or the belly button. The pain usually starts in this area and then shifts towards the lower right side. If your belly button is hurting without any underlying reason, you should immediately see a doctor.
Pain associated with appendicitis is quite likely to aggravate with movement and bumps. For instance, it may worsen if you are coughing, sneezing, moving around or turning in bed. This does not usually happen if the pain is related to indigestion on any other digestive problem.
If you or anyone around you experiences these symptoms, do not take them lightly and see a doctor to get yourself checked. Kindly diagnosis and treatment can help to avoid any complications related to appendicitis.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant
GI, General, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
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