Time of the essence with appendicitis
Appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain that requires surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health, but its prevalence should never be a reason to ignore or postpone its evaluation.
The appendix is a thin tube that extends from the colon in the lower right abdomen. It’s believed that it may function in some way to strengthen the body’s immune system, though numerous studies have remained inconclusive.
“Though we may not know its exact purpose, the good news is that we don’t need the organ in order to live,” said Dr. Jeremy Moore, emergency department medical director at Miami Valley Hospital North. “On the other hand, the need to quickly treat the problem if it becomes infected is crucial.”
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed. This can sometimes happen as a result of an abdominal infection or a blockage from stool.
Men in their late teens and young adult years tend to be more prone to appendicitis than women. Symptoms often include lower rightside abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
“It’s important for people having these symptoms to see a doctor right away since it can be difficult to accurately self-diagnose and an untreated infection can lead to much more serious problems,” said Moore, who practices with Premier Health.
Lower right abdominal pain can be symptomatic of several things, such as a kidney stone, urinary tract infection, ovarian cysts, or even gastroenteritis, but medical imaging such as a CT scan can help quickly pinpoint appendicitis if that is indeed the problem. Bloodwork also aids in making an accurate diagnosis since an elevated white blood cell count acts as another indicator of infection.
Surgery to remove an infected appendix is almost always required, though IV antibiotics may be used as a rare alternative depending upon the severity of infection. Failure to treat an infected appendix can cause the organ to burst within 48 hours after the initial onset of symptoms. The result is an even greater emergency, as the appendix’s infected contents are released into the abdomen. This can lead to much more serious complications and requires a more invasive surgery to resolve the issue.
Physicians such as Moore have seen an increase in these types of appendicitis-related complications as many have elected to put off or avoid seeking medical care due to fear of COVID-19.
“Though I understand people’s concerns, I can assure them that a hospital emergency department is a very safe place and that delaying care for appendicitis is much more dangerous than what they would risk by seeking treatment,” said Moore.
For more information about appendicitis, or to schedule an appointment with a Premier Physician Network physician near you, visit PremierHealth.com/ MakeAnAppointment.