Men develop appendicitis more often than women.
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency surgery. Every year in Russia, 400–600 thousand operations are performed to remove an inflamed appendix. No one is immune from appendicitis: the appendix can become inflamed even in a young and absolutely healthy person. But there are factors that increase the risk of developing this condition. Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist at the Hemotest Laboratory, talks about them.
How is the appendix different from appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix (worm-shaped appendix), a small section of the cecum. It is not involved in the digestion process, but affects the functioning of the immune system and the regulation of hormone balance. It also helps maintain normal intestinal microflora. However, the appendix is not considered a vital organ: in case of appendicitis, it is removed. The absence of an appendix does not significantly affect human health.
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Why does the appendix become inflamed?
The main cause of appendicitis is blockage of the lumen of the appendix with feces, parasitic worms, and foreign bodies. This can also occur due to a tumor or the development of adhesions on the walls of the process. Pathogenic microorganisms begin to actively multiply in the appendix, which eventually leads to inflammation. The risk of appendicitis increases in people who suffer from frequent constipation. To avoid them, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet, regularly eat vegetables and herbs rich in fiber, necessary for the development of normal microflora and good intestinal motility. The likelihood of inflammation increases parasitosis. To prevent them, it is necessary to follow basic hygiene rules, and if you suspect a helminth infection, undergo diagnostics and begin treatment.
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Also, the risk of appendicitis is influenced by factors that do not depend on a person’s lifestyle. This condition occurs more often in people whose relatives have experienced inflammation of the appendix, in those who grew up in rural areas, and men develop appendicitis more often than women. Inflammation of the appendix can be promoted by taking probiotics and antibiotics.
Can seeds and pits cause appendicitis?
The claim that appendicitis can be caused by sunflower seeds or apple pits is a myth. They do not directly affect the inflammatory process. Several years ago, Turkish doctors conducted a study. It showed that out of 2,000 patients who had their appendix removed, only one person had appendicitis caused by fruit pits.
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Signs of appendicitis
It is important to remember that even a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and strict adherence to hygiene rules cannot 100% protect against appendicitis. Main sign inflamed appendix – severe pain, which is usually felt between the costal arches or near the navel, less often – in another part of the abdomen. Also, with appendicitis, the temperature may rise to 37–38 C, nausea and vomiting often occur, the person loses appetite, and feels weak.
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What to do if you have appendicitis
If you suspect appendicitis, you must call an ambulance, which will take the patient to a medical facility for emergency surgery. If it is not carried out within two days, serious complications are highly likely to develop: peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum), blood poisoning, thrombosis of the portal vein (it collects blood coming from the abdominal organs and carries it to the liver). Until doctors arrive, you should not drink, eat, warm your stomach, or take laxatives, pain relievers, or heartburn medications.
