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Posted on August 19, 2008 by Balva Rudick | Posted under Diseases
Chronic Appendicitis - Difficulties in Diagnosis
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Whereas patients of acute appendicitis experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or nausea, those with chronic appendicitis may not even know they have it - often, the only symptoms they feel are general fatigue and a feeling of being sick, but since the symptoms progress slowly over time, very few even consider seeing a doctor for a consultation. How does appendicitis set in? The appendix is known as a vestigial organ - some say it must have been of some use in the past but has now evolved into a vermiform part of the digestive system - specifically, an extension of the large intestine - that affects the process of digestion, albeit in an undesirable way. When feces or calculus blocks the appendix, or when lymph nodes - which become swollen due to a bacterial infection - press against this organ, it becomes inflamed and eventually "dies" because of restricted blood flow. When this happens, such as in the case of acute appendicitis, circulation is completely blocked and the appendix deteriorates quickly, posing a threat to the patient. This is when the symptoms are experienced and their intensities increase in a matter of a few hours. On the other hand, people with chronic appendicitis experience milder and less pronounced symptoms. Their rate of progression is also considerably slower and physicians can only rely on the symptoms described by the patient, but its rare that the patient himself would even consult a physician for a feeling of general fatigue or malaise. Its also possible that in chronic appendicitis, the symptoms would keep changing, making an accurate diagnosis even more difficult. One of the symptoms also common across patients is pain which begins in the area around the navel. This slowly moves to the right side of the abdomen and then to the lower right side. One can also suspect this illness if, on performing actions that involve the abdominal muscles, a dull pain becomes more intense - actions such as sneezing, bending, or running. In addition, when the area which hurts is pressed, pain is felt, and more so when the hand is abruptly released. Apart from these, there are also the atypical symptoms - that is, signs that may not appear in all patients of chronic appendicitis. These are: apparent distention or swelling of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and frequency of urination. Often, the only conclusive way of confirming chronic appendicitis is via endoscopy, blood analysis, and abdominal computerized tomography. If you believe that you have chronic appendicitis, consult a doctor immediately, as it can effectively be treated with a course of antibiotics. About The Author: Balva Rudick is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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