Appendicitis

See also : Gastroenteritis

Causes

While researchers are not sure why appendicitis occurs in some people rather than others, infection, inflammation or obstruction in the appendix or digestive tract seems to be the most common cause. A blockage in the lining of the appendix can cause bacteria to multiply, quickly causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and pus-filled. If the appendix bursts, the infection can spread through the abdominal cavity and into the bloodstream.

Recognized risk factors for appendicitis include:

• Age: It most often occurs between the ages of 10 and 30
• Sex: More common in males than females
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Infection in the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere in the body
• Blunt force trauma to abdomen sustained in a car accident, sporting accident, or fall
• Parasites

Symptoms

Early appendicitis symptoms may be misunderstood as indigestion or gas because mild cramping is common at the beginning. If this feeling lasts for more than 24 hours, and other appendicitis symptoms on the list below begin to appear, it is time to seek medical attention. The most common symptoms of appendicitis in children and adults include:

• Sudden pain that begins at the belly button and shifts to lower right abdomen
• Sudden pain that starts on the lower right side of the abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever of around 100 degrees that increases as inflammation and pain increase
• Abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Inability to pass gas
• Right side of the abdomen is tender to the touch

If you are pregnant, appendicitis symptoms may start with pain in the upper abdomen as the appendix shifts slightly higher during pregnancy. Appendicitis in pregnant women is not uncommon; in fact, appendicitis occurs in 1 in 1,500 pregnancies. If you are pregnant and experience any of the symptoms, don’t brush them off as early labor or pregnancy related discomfort. Early intervention is key to a healthy pregnancy.

Recognizing appendicitis symptoms in young children is more difficult. Appendicitis symptoms in young children may include:

• Elevated heart rate
• Frequent urination
• Complaints of stomach pains after moving around, sneezing, coughing or touching their abdomens

If these symptoms appear with an elevated temperature, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Home Remedies

• Garlic: It is claimed that the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can help alleviate inflammation and pain caused due to appendicitis. Hence, eating 2-3 cloves of garlic on an empty everyday may help.
• Ginger: Drinking fresh ginger tea twice-thrice per day may help reduce inflammation and pain, while also curing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. You may also massage your abdomen using ginger oil for a few minutes.
• Lemons: Drinking water mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey may help combat indigestion and constipation. It will also provide you with pain relief and boost immunity.
• Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds contain antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that can help prevent the intestinal waste and excess mucus from storing, which further boost digestion and reduce the risk of severe pain.
• Mung bean: Also known as green gram, mung bean is one of the most trusted home remedies for appendicitis. It is said that consuming 1 tablespoon of green gram thrice daily can effectively help treat appendicitis.
• Huang Lian Su : Use for intestinal bacteria causing bacterial dysentery, diarrhea, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, abdominal distension; also acute and chronic appendicitis, tooth abscess, canker sores, strept throat, and sinus infection.
• Colloidal Silver is uwed for lung conditions including emphysema and bronchitis; skin conditions including rosacea, cradle cap (atopic dermatitis), eczema, impetigo, and psoriasis; and inflammation (sometimes due to infection) of the bladder (cystitis), prostate (prostatitis), colon (colitis), nose (rhinitis), stomach (gastritis), tonsils (tonsillitis), appendix (appendicitis), and sinuses (sinusitis).
• Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for activity, medications and wound care.Generally, after laparoscopic surgery, you will need to limit activity for three to five days. For an open appendectomy, you must limit activity for 10 to 14 days. Move around slowly and deliberately; avoid carrying or picking up heavy objects. The incision site needs to stay clean and dry.
• Practice guided imagery : According to the Mayo Clinic, after an appendectomy, guided imagery may help to control pain. This can be particularly helpful for children who may experience anxiety, as well as pain, after surgery. Guided meditation is known to relieve anxiety, reduce pain, improve sleep quality and so much more.
• Cough carefully : After an appendectomy, coughing is painful. To prevent some of the pain, apply pressure to your abdomen before you cough. Roll a towel or use a pillow, place it against your abdomen and exert a moderate amount of pressure on it before a cough or sneeze to prevent pain.
• Aromatherapy : An appendectomy is a traumatic physical event, and it takes time to recover. Getting plenty of rest and relaxation after surgery will help you feel better and heal more quickly. To stimulate relaxation, reduce pain, and for better sleep, practice aromatherapy. Research shows that aromatherapy using lavender essential oil reduces mental stress and anxiety. After a trauma of this nature, children are particularly susceptible to fear and anxiety. Diffusing essential oils can help to relieve these emotions. For pain, there are a broad range of studies that show aromatherapy aids in the reduction of pain and may have a long-term effect on pain reduction for burn patients, rheumatoid arthritis, during labor, and for those living with chronic pain. A couple of these studies specifically identified lavender essential oil or a combination of rose and lavender oils, while other studies didn’t specify the essential oil tested.
• Homeopathic arnica 6x : Known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, arnica may also decrease swelling after the surgery. Use as directed for two weeks following surgery.
• Support healthy liver function : After appendicitis, supporting liver function is essential. Anesthetics used during surgery can cause a decrease in liver function, allowing toxic substances to build up. In the weeks after an appendectomy, avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol, as well as conventionally farmed fruits, vegetables and meats. Focus on fresh, organic produce, grass-fed organic meat, and wild-caught fish like salmon.
• Boost immune system health : Avoiding an infection after an appendectomy, particularly if the appendix ruptured and leaked bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity, is a must. The best way to guard against infection is to ensure your immune system is performing optimally. Practice the best tips to boost your immune system including adding high-quality supplements like ginger, ginseng, vitamin D, and others to your healing plan.
• The appendix is a part of the digestive tract, so you may experience some new gastrointestinal symptoms as you heal. Rely on a healthy diet and avoid any processed foods and any foods that you are sensitive to, including gluten and conventional dairy. Eat small, nutrient-dense meals in the weeks following surgery, and enjoy my favorite gut-healing smoothie recipe, sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Bromelain : In a small study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas’s Advanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, a supplement containing vitamin C, grape seed extract, rutin and bromelain supported faster healing, and participants experienced less redness and swelling. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, demonstrates incredible proven health and therapeutic benefits including helping to prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. After surgery, take 1,000 milligrams of a high-quality bromelain supplement three times each day to spur healing.
• Vitamin C : Vitamin C helps the body to metabolize anesthetics used during surgery and may help to speed healing, according to researchers from Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Dr. Michael A. Fiorillow, MD, a leading plastic surgeon, recommends 2,000 milligrams a day of a high-quality vitamin C supplement to anyone with an open wound as it helps the wound heal faster. In addition, make a point to consume organic vitamin C-rich foods like guava, oranges, red or green peppers and papaya. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps to improve mineral absorption, which is key when recovering from surgery.
• Vitamin A : If you have Crohn’s disease, are a vegan, have problems with your pancreas, or have cystic fibrosis, you may be deficient in vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can make you more susceptible to developing an infection, which can be incredibly dangerous after surgery and trauma.
• Zinc : Even a mild zinc deficiency can interfere with healing. According to Boston University School of Medicine, an increased consumption of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc may influence wound healing rates. Enjoy zinc-rich foods during your healing like grass-fed beef and lamb, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas and even cocoa powder.
• Arginine & omega-3 : A study conducted by Shriners Hospitals for Children and University of Cincinnati Medical Center found that the combination of arginine and omega-3 fatty acids reduced surgical site infections by 50 percent, significantly reducing hospital and ICU stays. In the study, 10 grams of arginine were given, along with a customized dose of omega-3, based on 3.5 percent of energy for each patient. As a precaution, arginine should not be given if the patient is septic, or for those who have high blood pressure.
• Glutamine : An essential amino acid, glutamine supports gastrointestinal health. Also, research shows that it reduces the risk of infection after surgery or injury, according to researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School. During recovery, take between 2 and 5 grams of glutamine twice a day, along with a high-quality vitamin B12 supplement for best results.
• Probiotics : The anesthetics from the surgery and the antibiotics harm the gut’s natural healthy bacterial balance. To rebuild the healthy bacteria, take a high-quality probiotic supplement that provides at least 50 billion CFU per serving. In addition, add probiotic-rich foods to your diet in the following weeks, including kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut and apple cider vinegar.
• Coconut Oil : To prevent significant scarring, once the stitches or the staples have been removed, gently massage coconut oil around the scar. It will help to nourish the skin and help to thwart any lingering fungi, bacteria or viruses lurking on the skin.
• Enjoy a healthy, clean diet : The appendix is part of the digestive system, so during recovery, a healthy, clean diet is essential. Dr. Elson M. Haas, MD, founder and director of Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, California says that a diet after surgery should be light, not greasy, and easy to digest. Focus on nutrient-dense protein powders, bone broth and organic foods.

Warnings

If you think that you or someone in your care may have appendicitis, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. If the infected appendix bursts, the infection is likely to spread throughout the abdomen, causing serious problems. If the appendix ruptures, the infection and bacteria can spread throughout the abdomen causing peritonitis; this can be life-threatening. Take appendicitis symptoms seriously and seek medical intervention quickly.

After an appendectomy, seek medical attention if you experience fever, chills, bleeding or drainage from the incision site, vomiting, loss of appetite, coughing, shortness of breath, cramping, no bowel movement for two days or longer, or diarrhea for three or more days.