Appendicitis
An inflamed appendix leads to a condition of appendicitis. In this condition, the opening of the appendix into the cecum is blocked. Mucus or stool can be the causes for the blockage. A blood clot or carcinoid tumor may also be a cause for the blockage of the appendiceal orifice. In some cases, appendicitis follows a gastrointestinal viral infection. The inflammation causes reduced blood supply to the appendix thereby diminishing its ability to fight infection. Inflammation and infection can lead to a rupture of the appendix thereby spreading the infection to the entire abdominal area. Perforation of the appendix usually warrants immediate surgery. If the infection is allowed to enter other parts of the body, it can be life-threatening. Another fallout of appendicitis is that the contents of the intestine are blocked from passing. This leads to abdominal distension with nausea and vomitting. In few cases, the body is able to resolve the inflammation and infection with antibiotics and care. This usually happens when the appendicitis is noticed and diagnosed at a very early stage.
Symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal pain that is diffused and not localized. The patient might have elevated body temperature with tenderness in the lower right abdomen, if palpated. When the appendiceal inflammation increases, the pain is clearly localized to a single area - between the front of the right hip bone and the belly button. Early symptoms of appendicitis are often easily mistaken for gastroenteritis. Children may have fewer symptoms thereby making diagnosis more difficult. Appendicitis is first diagnosed with a thorough physical examination. Abdominal scans are useful in detecting the cause of blockage. A blood test of a person suffering from appendicitis will reveal abnormal white blood count. But it cannot be taken as the only sign of appendicitis. A CT Scan can help reveal the area of the appendix that is affected.
Appendectomy
With traditional appendectomy, the surgeon enters the abdomen through a 3 inch long incision. The appendix is removed by freeing it from the attachment to the abdomen and colon. Pus will need to be drained in case of an abscess. Laparoscopy is now regularly used to remove an inflamed appendix. A small fiber optic tube with camera is inserted through one or two small punctures made on the abdominal wall. Tiny instruments are passed through the other abdominal incisions to remove the appendix. Laparoscopy allows a surgeon to view the appendix and other abdominal organs. A decision can then be made whether the appendix needs to be removed at all. A clear diagnosis is possible with laparoscopy on doubtful cases of appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendix removal allows faster recovery and lesser scarring.
Abdominal CAT scan
CAT scans are particularly used to study with clarity several organs in the abdominal regions of the body namely liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Many causes of abdominal pain are diagnosed using specialized CT equipments for interpreting CT scans of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the colon and the rectum. Abscess in the abdomen, inflammation of the colon or colon cancer, diverticulitis and appendicitis are diagnosed. When severe pain is caused by an infection or inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a burst appendix or an erupted diverticulum and the subsequent spread of the infection. Especially in cases of bowel obstruction, CT is the best imaging test recommended.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an condition of inflammation or ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, rectum and colon. Rarely is the small intestine affected by ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is also referred to as proctitis. While this condition can affect anyone, it is noticed more often in the US, England, Eastern Europe and persons of Jewish ancestry. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that is often noticed to run in families. The symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are similar to Crohn's disease. But this disease tends to affect the small intestine or the mouth, esophagus, appendix or duodenum. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both inflammatory bowel diseases. Typical symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include fatigue, nausea and severe abdominal cramps. Rectal bleeding and diarrhea are noticed with persons suffering from Ulcerative colitis, though the intensity depends on the inflammation. There is loss of appetite and weight loss. The symptoms may tend to recur at regular intervals or when eating highly seasoned food or raw fruits and vegetables. Other conditions such as hepatitis, osteoporosis, anemia and arthritis are sometimes triggered by Ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis has been traced to abnormal disorder of the immune system of the intestine. Consequently the immune system triggers off an inflammation of the intestinal tissues. Often a diet high in fat and refined foods may be responsible for ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis tend to come in spurts, with periods of acute illness followed by periods of remission. If left untreated, persons suffering from ulcerative colitis carry significant risk of carcinoma. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is based on the seriousness of the condition. While medication can help in most cases, surgery is resorted to for severe inflamation and life-threatening condition. Medications cannot cure ulcerative colitis but they can help in maintaining periods of remission. The patient can enjoy a better quality of life. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulators are prescribed for patients of ulcerative colitis to reduce inflammation.
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