Appendicitis
- Mandeep Dhaliwal RN, BSN
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a narrow, finger-like organ located in the lower right part of the abdomen. It is pinkish in color, like the intestines. The most common cause of appendicitis is a blockage at the small opening where the appendix connects to the large intestine which prevents the normal flow of fluid in and out of the appendix. If the blockage is not treated in time, the appendix can burst and spread infection throughout the abdomen. If left untreated, a ruptured or burst appendix can cause a serious illness and may even be life-threatening.
Symptoms:
Sudden pain at the right side of the belly which worsens with coughing and walking.
Nausea and Vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Fever
constipation or diarrhea
Belly bloating
Diagnostics:
Physical Exam-Tenderness and pain upon palpation of the lower right abdomen.
Blood Test- To rule out if there is any infection in the body.
Urine Test- To rule out any urinary tract infection.
Imaging Tests- These may include an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan to help visualize the appendix and detect inflammation.
Treatment:
Appendectomy- An appendectomy is a type of surgery used to remove the appendix.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy - A laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the appendix using small incisions and a camera. It involves inserting a laparoscope and instruments through tiny cuts in the abdomen. This method leads to quicker recovery, less pain, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
Open Appendectomy - A single larger incision is made in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix directly. This method is often used if the appendix has burst or the infection has spread.
My Daughter’s Appendicitis
One evening, while I was in the middle of my evening prayers, my 17-year-old daughter came into my room and quietly sat beside me. She began to cry. My daughter rarely complains, so I immediately knew something was seriously wrong. Through her tears, she said, “Mommy, I’ve been having tummy pain on and off for the past two days. But today, the pain on the right side of my abdomen became so bad that I tried taking a warm shower, hoping it might help—but it only got worse. I’m feeling sick.”
Without hesitation, I decided to take her to the hospital.
At the hospital, the doctor examined her and palpated her abdomen. When he pressed on the right side, she winced and clung to me in pain. He noted that the area was tender and ordered an ultrasound, blood tests, and a urine test. After reviewing the results, the doctor diagnosed her with appendicitis and admitted her immediately.
He told us we had come just in time — the appendix was inflamed but had not yet ruptured.
We were transferred to the children’s ward. The doctor instructed that she be kept NPO (nothing to eat or drink) after midnight and gave her pain medication to ease her discomfort. Before the deadline, my daughter asked if she could have McDonald’s one last time before surgery. So, around 11 p.m., I drove around the city to find it for her — a small comfort in a stressful moment.
The next day, when it was time for surgery, my heart clenched. As I watched her being wheeled into the operating room, tears flowed down my face. I prayed to God for a safe and successful operation.
After surgery, she spent about three hours in the recovery room before being transferred back to the children’s ward. She received IV fluids and antibiotics and was monitored closely. Thankfully, she recovered well and was discharged the following day.
References:
Written by Mandeep Dhaliwal RN, BSN
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
