The appendix is ​​a thin vesicle that is approximately 9 cm long. This small pouch, located on the lower right side of the body, has a structure with a blind out. The entrance part is connected to the large intestine. In some people, the size of the appendixs can be up to 35 cm. Generally, we can say that children have larger diameters. However, it starts to close over time and gains a shorter form when it becomes an adult. We will also discuss which diseases can cause similar complaints with appendicitis, how they are diagnosed, and answers to similar questions. First, let’s talk about the function of appendicitis.

What Does Appendicitis Do?

We can say that various researches have been done for many years about what appendicitis does in the body. However, no clear information could be found yet. For many years, it has been thought to have something to do with the immune system, which is the body’s defense system. We can say that progress has been made in some studies conducted in recent years. There were strong findings that appendicitis is used by the digestive flora, which is beneficial for the body, especially during disease periods. Beneficial flora is thought to use appendicitis as a shelter. Let’s add that there is no clear information that if this sac will be evacuated from the body, the body will be damaged.

What are the Causes of Appendicitis?

Infection of the appendix is ​​called appendicitis. We can say that the element or elements that cause this infection are not yet clearly known. Sometimes we can say that substances or foreign substances produced by the body at the entrance of this sac cause blockage. In such cases, infection may occur. For example, it may be possible to block the entrance of the pouch by feces. However, swelling of the lymph node in the intestinal wall may also occur during an upper respiratory tract infection. Along with this swelling, a compression effect may also occur, which may lead to closure of the sac. As can be seen, although the cause is unknown, we can state that many factors may cause appendicitis.

Which Diseases Cause Complaints Similar to Appendicitis?

We can say that many diseases are confused with appendicitis among the people. The reason is that the complaints that occur in the case of appendicitis are similar to the complaints that occur in some diseases. We can give a short list of the answers to these diseases:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Constipation
  • Bladder infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Infection in the pelvic area
  • Severe irritable bowel syndrome (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

In women, we can say that the complaints that occur in the following situations are similar to the complaints of appendicitis.

  • Period time
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Ectopic pregnancy

Of course, in the case of intense abdominal or groin pain, immediate medical evaluation is required. When it comes to pain caused by appendicitis, this pain can also extend to different parts of the body. This area can be the pelvis or the lower part of the liver.

What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

The general symptoms that occur when appendicitis occurs in patients are as follows:

  • Sudden pain in the lower abdomen, usually on the right side
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating in the abdomen
  • The most decisive of these symptoms is the sudden onset of pain.

How to Distinguish Appendicitis Pain?

First of all, we should state that appendicitis pain typically starts in the right middle part of the abdomen. Often a pain starts suddenly, but this pain comes and goes. After a few hours, the pain is fixed at the place where the appendix is. With this fixation, the intensity of the pain begins to increase. This is the typical feature of appendicitis pain.

Pressing on the appendix, coughing or walking can make the pain worse. Due to the obstruction of the appendix, the probability of the patient having diarrhea or constipation is extremely high. However, feeling tired and loss of appetite are also among the intense situations. Depending on the blockage of the appendix, the bacteria inside multiply and put pressure on the wall of this sac. This is the reason why the pain increases when patients try to walk or press on the place where this sac is located.

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

In order to make a diagnosis, the patient’s history must first be taken. A physical examination is also required. It is also important to do some blood tests and to examine the appendicitis area with ultrasound. If needed by the doctor, it may be necessary to review the appendicitis with computed tomography. All these examination and test results are evaluated together, so that the diagnosis of appendicitis can be made. In the meantime, examinations such as MRI or tomography cannot be performed in expectant mothers. In women who are pregnant, only ultrasound examination can be performed from imaging tests.

We can state that infections and appendicitis problems in children are often confused with each other. For this reason, unnecessary drug use often comes to the fore. Since the complaint of abdominal pain can be caused by many different reasons, we can say that it is a little more difficult to diagnose in preschool children. The most important element in the diagnosis of appendicitis is the physical examination that the doctor will do meticulously.

At What Age Does Appendicitis Inflammation Occur?

Appendicitis is a condition that can occur at any age, usually after 2 years of age. Therefore, it would not be correct to make an age grouping in this disorder. Although it is thought to be a problem mostly experienced in childhood, appendicitis can also occur in adults. We can only state that the probability of its occurrence before the age of 2 is very low. Other than that, there is no age limit.

What Happens If Appendicitis Is Not Treated?

If appendicitis is not treated, life-threatening risks occur. Because in this case, the appendix sac may rupture. As a result, the inflammation also flows to the abdomen. This situation can lead to a shock picture called septic in children, and it can also occur as a result of loss of life. Therefore, after diagnosis, treatment must be carried out. It is important that the patient is taken to surgery as soon as possible, especially in the case of inflammatory leakage. You can write your questions about the subject in the comment section.