Appendicitis: Purpose, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Diagnosis

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What is the real purpose of the small pouch-like sac which found at the lower right side of the abdomen called “appendix”?

For years, doctors weren’t sure if the appendix had any real purpose. They thought perhaps it was a piece of the intestine that was leftover from earlier stages in the course of our evolution.

But researchers are now finding that it might have some use.

Purposes of Appendix

In a 2007 study in the Journal of Theroetical Biology, researchers proposed that the appendix is a “safe house” for friendly micro-organisms, meaning it's a place where these bacteria can grow and hang out.

Then, if needed, they can re-populate the colon "in the event that the contents of the intestinal tract are purged following exposure to a pathogen." In other words, if an illness causes a big die-off in your gut, your appendix might be able to help gets your flora growing again.

Just as the tonsils guard the lungs and digestive tract from bacteria, the appendix fights bacteria in the large intestine, preventing them from entering the small intestine and bloodstream.

It does this by secreting antibodies that identify and neutralize harmful bacteria: helpful bacteria are not targeted but instead come to reside in our intestine. In this way, the appendix is helpful in establishing our good gut bacteria.

Caution Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is most prevalent in people between the ages of 10 and 30, though it's possible to come down with this condition at any age. It can also manifest differently depending on the person’s age. Appendicitis is a painful condition that involves the infection and resulting inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and swelling to nausea and loss of appetite can all signify an appendix condition, so it's important that these symptoms not be overlooked.

Right-side stomach pain is a warning sign of appendicitis

Typically, the warning sign is from minor to severe discomfort in your right abdomen which progressively becomes worse in a 6-24 hours period.

Belly button pain and appendicitis

Apparently, it said that the appendix is located at the right-side abdomen but the pain triggers commonly starts nearby the belly button then extent to lower right abdomen.

Fever and appendicitis

Accumulation of bacteria will cause infection then will result fever. Inflammation cause mild or low-grade fever, but bursts appendix will cause higher fever as the infection spread to the abdomen.

Nausea and vomiting along with appendicitis

Abdominal pain caused by appendicitis is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Triggers of discomfort is because of gastric distressed will commonly start around the same time as the abdominal pain.

Abnormal bowel movements

You may experience such as constipation, diarrhea, and the lack of ability to pass gas are all may consider symptoms of appendicitis.

Urgent need to urinate

It happens in about 20% of appendicitis cases which includes pelvic pain and a frequent need to urinate.

Treatment of Appendicitis

In the majority of cases, an appendectomy, or complete removal of the appendix, is the go-to fix for appendicitis. In recent years, however, the Journal of the American Medical Association has suggested that those with appendicitis give antibiotics a try before heading straight to surgery.

If you're feeling pain and symptoms that resemble appendicitis, and that pain suddenly goes away, that doesn't mean you should just ignore the episodes. It's possible that the appendix ruptured, causing the pain and pressure to feel relieved while actually releasing harmful fluids into the abdomen. Once the appendix ruptures, surgery needs to be performed immediately. It's imperative that a surgeon clean out the abdominal cavity and remove the tissue as soon as possible.

It's always best to see your doctor if you're experiencing any prolonged pain, illness, or discomfort in the abdomen so that potential issues can be diagnosed.