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APPENDICITIS Introduction Abdominal pain can

Abdominal pain can be due to many different problems, including appendicitis. The patient's appearance and the nature of the pain or its relation to eating or moving may provide diagnostic cues. Abdomen tenderness or abnormal masses also provide information. Diagnostic tests include urine and blood analysis, x-rays, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound scans, and emergency exploratory surgery (Merck, 2000, Ch. 112).

Appendicitis consists of an inflammation of the appendix, which is a small part that hangs down from the large intestine, near the joining of the small intestine. Appendicitis is a common cause of sudden abdominal pain and surgery in the United States (except for trapped hernias, it is the most common). It is most prevalent from ages 10 years to 30 years, and around 1 in 500 have appendicitis per year (Merck, Ch. 9; NIDDK, 2000, p. 1).

Causes are not understood. It is found that in most cases, a blockage of some type, inside the appendix, may result in the appendix becoming infected and inflamed. It may be due to a viral infection in the digestive tract or the blockage of a stool in the tube connecting the large intestine and the appendix. If the inflammation is not treated and it continues, it may result in a rupture. This rupture then spills the intestinal contents, which are bacteria-laden, into the abdomen. This results in peritonitis and may lead to a life-threatening infection. An abscess may also form due to the rupture. The bacteria may infect the bloodstream and lead to a life-threatening condition, septicemia. For a woman, the rupture may lead to the infection of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and resulting tube blockage can result in infertility (Merck, Ch. 9; NIDDK, p. 1).

Characteristic symptoms of appendicitis include nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling, and severe pain in the lower right abdomen. Less than half of those with app...

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APPENDICITIS Introduction Abdominal pain can. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 04:51, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1702337.html