Appendicitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And Psychological Care
Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for surgery among young people. It is an inflammation that, if not treated in time, can lead to death, requiring emergency medical intervention.
Next we will see the symptoms, causes and treatment of appendicitis as well as its general characteristics and the approach with which psychological support is carried out.
Appendicitis is a type of infection that appears in the appendix, an area of the large intestine located in what is known as the “cecum”, which is the end at which it communicates with the small intestine. It is a small elongated chamber with a single entrance in the shape of a deflated balloon.
It is a part of the digestive system that, although not important for maintaining a correct level of health, can become infected relatively easily.
Causes of this infection
Appendicitis infection normally occurs when a collection of feces remains obstructing the appendix and blocks it for a long time. However, it is also possible that the problem originates from a tumor in the area, worms that parasitize the intestines, or even trauma that affects that section of the digestive tract.
The infection begins when An accumulation of secretions begins to appear from the intestinal mucosa, which causes the pressure inside this cavity to increase. This puts pressure on the surrounding veins and arteries, causing ischemia to occur in the appendix tissue and starting a bacterial battle that leads to infection.
On the other hand, the accumulation of pus in this part of the large intestine can cause the appendix to rupture thus generating peritonitis (the peritoneum is a membrane that covers and protects part of the viscera.
Symptoms
The symptoms of appendicitis begin as moderate pain in the navel area, which may be accompanied by occasional cramps. After a few hours, this pain moves downward and to the right side of the lower abdomen, several centimeters above the groin (in that half of the body).
Also high or moderate fever usually appears and typical symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by obtaining data through several means. Mainly, these consist of:
It must be taken into account that no diagnostic method is infallible by itself and that is why it is important to keep in mind that these data are always combined and at the same time the possibility that it is another disease, such as gastroenteritis, is assessed.
Treatment
Once appendicitis has occurred and has been identified as such, all possible medical interventions involve surgery The procedure basically consists of removing the inflamed appendix and the fluid that has concentrated around it. If peritonitis has also developed, it is usually necessary to leave the wound open to perform a general washing of the area and close it later by sewing.
It is important to perform the surgical intervention as soon as possible to prevent the appendix from perforating which could lead to a chain reaction of infections, multiple organ failure and death.
Given the frequency with which appendicitis occurs among young people, the patient is likely to feel frightened and intimidated by both the pain and fever and the prospect of undergoing surgery on a delicate area of the body. , in one of its vital organs.
That is why it is of great importance, first of all, inform about the nature of appendicitis a disease that if treated in time will not get worse, but that must be treated urgently-
It should also be noted that the removal of the appendix, despite affecting an area as important as the large intestine, does not significantly affect the quality of life, and that after the operation a normal life will continue.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to inform that the surgical intervention will leave a scar several centimeters long (normally, 3 or 4) in the lower abdomen, on the right, diagonally. This is an area that can be exposed with certain common pieces of clothing, as well as a swimsuit.
This can damage one’s self-image if one has very high expectations that the surgery will leave everything as it was, and that is why the intervention must be approached in a different way: as a measure that, despite offering a high percentage guarantee of success, it is urgent and is done to avoid very severe problems that could lead to death.
