Appendicitis

Appendicitis

The following summary sheet outlines the pathophysiology of how

appendicitis can develop, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors,
clinical manifestations, and treatment options.

Risk Factors:

Management:

Modifiable Risk Factors: Low

The standard treatment for

dietary intake of fibre increases the

appendicitis is an appendectomy

viscosity of feces and can cause

(surgical removal of the appendix).

fecal matter to become lodged in

This may be done through a

the appendix, obstructing the

laparoscopic appendectomy, open

lumen.

appendectomy, or through

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

emerging technology routes like a

Age peak incidence between

natural orifice transluminal

Pathophysiology:

ages 10-19 years; risk decreases

endoscopic surgery.

Appendicitis is an inflammation

with age after this point.

Uncomplicated appendicitis may be

of the appendix, a small organ

Gender 1.4x greater risk in men.

treated using antibiotic therapy

attached to the cecum of the large

Family History - ~3x greater risk.

alone, but that individual is at an

intestine. This inflammation is

Trauma to appendix and previous

increased risk for recurrence and

caused by an obstruction of the

infection will also increase the risk

will likely need an appendectomy in

appendiceal lumen (the internal

of appendicitis. (Craig, 2015).

the future (Wilms et al, 2011).

cavity of the appendix). Because

Signs and Symptoms:

Prior to surgery, individuals with

the appendix is constantly

A major indicator of appendicitis is

appendicitis will receive broad-

secreting mucus from its mucosa

abdominal pain starting at the

spectrum antibiotics to reduce the

to keep the tissue moist and

belly button and migrating to the

risk of wound infection.

prevent pathogens from entering

right lower quadrant. Other

If they have complicated perforated

the bloodstream, a blockage

common symptoms include:

appendicitis, post-operative IV

results in increased intraluminal

nausea/vomiting, lack of appetite,

antibiotics will be continued for 3-5

pressure. An increase in

constipation or diarrhea, fever,

days to prevent infection from the

intraluminal pressure can

and abdominal swelling.

contents of the appendix that may

decrease blood flow to the

Individuals with appendicitis may

have spilled into the abdominal

appendix, leading to tissue

find that it is painful to move,

cavity. Antibiotics will be

hypoxia. This causes an

walk, cough, breath, and that pain

discontinued when the patient

ulceration of the appendix lining,

worsens over time; they may also

mobilizes independently, tolerates

which can become infected and

demonstrate abdominal guarding

two meals consecutively, and have

results in the inflammation and

posture to limit pain associated

a temperature <38C for 24 hours

edema associated with

with movement (Jarvis et al,

(Bhangu et al, 2015).

appendicitis (McCance &

2014). Appendicitis is a serious

Huether, 2014).

health issue so if you have these

More information available at:

symptoms it is important to seek

www.appendicitisinfo4u.weebly.com

medical attention.

[Untitled Image of Abdomen Pain]. Retrieved May 13,

2016 from http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseasesand-conditions/appendicitis