Catarrhal appendicitis: symptoms, reasons, whether surgery is needed

Catarrhal appendicitis is an inflammatory process of the appendix of the initial stage. At this stage, structural changes are reversible if the disease is noticed at the very beginning of development. Early diagnosis of appendicitis and treatment increases the chances of avoiding negative consequences for the body.

The appendix, in other words the appendix, is an organ located in the peritoneal cavity. Consists of layers: serous, muscular, submucous, mucous.

Causes of the disease

The appendix becomes inflamed due to the action of bacteria. In a normal state, they do not have a negative effect - the mucous membrane protects. An etiopathogenetic factor can weaken the protective function. For example:

• Blockage of the appendix lumen. There is a constant formation of mucus in it. When the lumen of the appendix closes, the fluid does not leave, but accumulates. The process is stretched and therefore the mucous membrane is damaged.
• Blood flow changes. When the arteries become clogged, the appendix lacks nutrition, and the protective function is reduced.
• Inappropriate food. In order for the intestinal walls to contract, vegetables and fruits are needed. With a shortage, feces stagnate, which takes on a stone appearance, clogs the lumen.

• Allergy.
• Increased tendency to change stool. Frequent constipation does not move the feces, they enter the appendix.

The mechanism of development of appendicitis:

• The appendix tissues swell and increase in size;
• Toxic substances irritate the peritoneal area;
• Intestinal function is impaired;
• Toxic substances enter the bloodstream, the temperature rises.

Types of appendicitis

There are types of disease:

1. Catarrhal. Duration - 6 hours from the onset of symptoms. Development in the mucous membrane of the appendix.
2. Phlegmonous. It spreads along the wall thickness of the appendix. It lasts up to a day from the onset of symptoms. The lumen of the appendix fills with pus. There is a need for a microscope study of the process walls using a microscope.
3. Gangrenous. The appendix is ​​dead. The stage lasts three days. If the patient does not follow the doctor's recommendations, there is a high probability that secondary appendicitis will develop.
4. Perforated. A species capable of destroying the walls of the appendix. Due to this, a disease called peritonitis develops, which threatens human life.

Symptoms of the disease

The inflammation begins quickly, the symptoms are pronounced. There are cases when the cause of the origin is unclear, the symptoms of this disease are similar to other pathologies. It is better for a person with complaints to see a doctor.

Painful sensations and actions that contribute to their intensification:

• In the initial stage, a person cannot determine the localization of pain, because it spreads throughout the abdomen.
• After 5 hours, pain is greater in the lower abdomen. First stitching, then a painful feeling arises constantly.
• As the inflammatory process intensifies, the intensity of the pain increases. When pus develops, it becomes severe. Disappears when the person lies down.
• If the pain lasts a long time, it is better to call an ambulance.

Increased pain occurs during coughing, running, jumping.

Other symptoms

The following symptoms are characteristic:

1. Stool change. It manifests itself in exactly half of the people. Constipation occurs due to a decrease in intestinal contractions, stool stagnates. On the contrary, diarrhea may appear with inflammation of the appendix due to an increase in contractions.
2. The abdominal muscles are tense. On palpation, the right will be denser than the left.
3. Decreased appetite.
4. Fever. The temperature reaches 37.8 degrees, in the acute stage - 38.

Examination of the patient

The surgeon palpates the abdomen first. It starts on the left side, where there is no pain. The doctor may ask questions about:

• Localization of pain;
• The timing of the onset of pain;
• The origin of vomiting;
• Temperature rise;
• Stool change;
• Meals.

Establishing diagnosis

Immediate diagnosis is impossible. In theory, everything is simple, in practice it does not look like this. Sometimes, even after examining the patient, it is impossible to determine the disease. The person is left in the hospital. When symptoms worsen, when there is no suspicion of other diseases, the appendix is ​​surgically removed.

It is necessary to be monitored in a hospital, if the condition worsens, the person will undergo an operation. There are cases when appendicitis is "disguised" as other diseases. If the surgeon has made an incision and the appendix is ​​healthy, the doctor carefully examines everything. Diseases with similar symptoms:

• Gynecological plan, associated with an inflammatory process in the uterus and ovaries, ectopic pregnancy.
• Renal colic.
• Inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas.
• YABZH and 12 duodenal ulcer.

Ways to get rid of catarrhal appendicitis

After diagnosis, the patient should receive proper treatment.

Surgical methods

The success of the surgery depends on the amount of time that has elapsed since the onset of symptoms. In ideal condition, it should be carried out no later than 1 hour after the surgeon determines the disease. The main stage of the operation is appendectomy. It consists in removing the appendix. There are several types:

1. Open intervention. Simple and fast method. No special equipment required.
2. Laparoscopic method.

Any kind is performed using general anesthesia.

Laparoscopy for appendicitis - it is possible to use the technique for the purpose of diagnosing and treating the disease. The surgeon enters the equipment equipped with a camera. The advantage of the method is that a specialist can examine the entire affected organ. The operation is performed in cases when:

• A person has been observed by a specialist for a long time, the presence of appendicitis is not clear;
• Symptoms are similar to gynecological diseases;
• A patient with diabetes mellitus. A person cannot be observed, the development of complications occurs quickly;
• Overweight person. In the case of using another method, the seam heals for a long time, and this can lead to suppuration;

• The patient asks for this procedure.

Medications

Complete treatment of the acute form with drugs without the use of surgery is impossible. Medicines are used as an adjunct to surgical treatment.

Medicines:

• Cefuroxime.
• Clindamycin.
• Metronidazole.
• Trichopolus.

Attention! Antibiotics are dispensed with a prescription form from a doctor.

Using folk remedies

The use of methods of treatment with folk remedies is unacceptable. With appendicitis, emergency surgery is needed.

Complications of the disease

Possible complications of late treatment:

• Appendicular infiltrate. In the case of an untimely operation, pain appears, fever up to 37 degrees.
• Pus in the abdominal cavity. A person suffers from severe pain, increased body temperature. It is surgically treated by autopsy.
• Peritonitis. Severe stage when pus enters the abdomen. Death is possible without proper treatment. It is treated with the appointment of antibacterial agents and surgery.
• Pylephlebitis. A rare form, but dangerous. It is associated with the ingress of pus into the veins, blood clots are formed. For treatment, drugs with antibacterial action are prescribed.

Onset during pregnancy

It is easier, the symptoms are less pronounced. But the specialist doubts, because the symptoms can also speak of fetal pathologies. Investigated by ultrasound. An operation is performed for treatment. Without her, there is a high risk of losing a child and death for the expectant mother. Surgical intervention is performed by the laparoscopic method.

Features of the appearance in childhood

In children from birth to three years of age, the disease has several features:

1. Children cannot explain where their pain is.
2. The appendix is ​​not located the same as in adults.
3. The child's mood disappears, he becomes moody.
4. Sleep disturbance occurs, the baby does not sleep all night.
5. Vomiting is repeated frequently (6 times a day).
6. Fever rises to 39 degrees.

The diagnosis is difficult. The specialist most often doubts. The child must remain in the hospital for observation.

Prevention methods

To prevent the disease, you should:

• Pay attention to proper nutrition. The diet should consist of a sufficient amount of nutrients. They are found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products.
• Wash hands after using the toilet, before eating.
• Wash food thoroughly before use.
• Treat infectious diseases and inflammations on time.

Timely assistance is the key to a favorable outcome of all diseases. The sooner the operation is performed in the presence of appendicitis, the better. They return to normal work and physical activity a month after the removal of the appendix.