Inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch on the lower right region of your abdomen causes appendicitis. It is a common medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The appendix specialist doctor in Kolkata states the myths and facts about appendicitis.
Myths:
- It is often misunderstood that appendicitis affects adults only. On the contrary, it can occur at any age. It is common among people between the ages of 10 and 30.
- There are claims that home remedies can help in curing appendicitis. However, appendicitis cannot be cured without medical intervention and it can be life-threatening if not treated on time.
- One of the symptoms of appendicitis is sudden abdominal pain. But it is observed that children may not have these symptoms.
- It is believed that over-the-counter medicines relieve appendicitis pain. They can temporarily alleviate the pain but do not treat the underlying causes. According to the best gastroenterologist surgeon in Kolkata, delays in medical treatment can worsen the situation.
- Fever is a common sign of appendicitis but is not observed in the early stages of the condition.
Facts:
- The primary treatment for appendicitis is surgery, known as appendectomy. The procedure is performed either as a traditional open surgery with a long abdominal incision or via laparoscopic surgery.
- If the condition is not treated promptly, it can cause the appendix to burst and the area may become infected.
- The commonly experienced symptoms are loss of appetite, sudden pain in the lower abdomen on the right side, diarrhea or constipation, nausea or vomiting and abdominal bloating.
- The diagnosis process includes physical examination, rectal examination, blood tests to determine the white blood cell count. Some imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, X-rays and computed tomography scans, are also conducted.
- Some conditions might be mistaken for appendicitis, including Endometriosis, Kidney stones, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Pancreatitis and gastroenteritis.
- There is risk involved in developing appendicitis if there is a family history of one.
Understanding the misconceptions and facts about appendicitis is vital to recognise the symptoms and seek appropriate medical care. The appendix specialist doctor in Kolkata advises you to seek immediate medical treatment if you are feeling severe pain in your abdomen. While misconceptions prevail, accurate information and proper treatment can ensure better results.