Gourt > Kids and Teens > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Appendicitis
Appendicitis, or epityphlitis, is a condition characterised by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock.
Causes
The causes of appendicitis are generally unknown, but the leading theory is that obstruction of the appendiceal orifice is the inciting factor. Obstruction may come from fecal matter lodged in the appendix, impaction of mucous, a small tumor (such as a carcinoid), or even a small blood clot. Viral infections, which can cause ulceration of the lining, can also lead to obstruction of the appendix through proliferation of lymphatic tissue in its walls. A viral etiology is a possible explanation for seasonal variations in rates of appendicitis and clustering of cases. Regardless of the cause, obstruction of the appendix may lead to progressive appendiceal distension. This distension increases the pressure within the appendix, which in turn impairs its blood supply. Deprived of blood, the appendix loses the ability to fight infection and fecal bacteria begin to grow out of control. Although spontaneous recovery can rarely occur, with time and lack of treatment the walls of the appendix eventually become gangrenous from the infection and lack of blood flow. As bacteria begin to leak out through the dying walls, pus forms within and around the appendix (suppuration). The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing peritonitis, which may lead to septicemia and eventually death.
Although the model described above is traditionally taught in medical schools, histories of patients operated for appendicitis do not often correlate well with such a single disease progression. Specifically, those with atypical histories have findings at surgery that are consistent with a suppurative process that starts at the onset of symptoms and then smolders. Patients with typical histories may have findings suggesting resolution. Histories to suggest rupture of the appendix while patients are being diagnostically observed are exceedingly rare.
More on [ Appendicitis ]
http://bit.ly/jmXVY Glenn beck appendicitis â glenn beck sick | USA Hangout
getz3551 (getzz) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:06:31 -0000
http://bit.ly/jmXVY Glenn beck appendicitis – glenn beck sick | USA Hangout
Glenn Beck hospitalized with appendicitis. http://tinyurl.com/yagxdok Brace yourself for more whining. http://tinyurl.com/p3m7eg
The_PoliticoMD (Dr. Politico) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:03:50 -0000
Glenn Beck hospitalized with appendicitis. http://tinyurl.com/yagxdok Brace yourself for more whining. http://tinyurl.com/p3m7eg
t looks likes Sarah has appendicitis. She is being preped for possible surgery right now after the CAT scan. No sleep tonight
ncartel (Nathan Cartel) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:56:56 -0000
t looks likes Sarah has appendicitis. She is being preped for possible surgery right now after the CAT scan. No sleep tonight
RT @Shoq: Dear @glennBeck: So sorry to hear about your appendicitis. We look forward to something more serious, next time. Best. #p2
Brasilmagic (Grace Tollini F.) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:55:42 -0000
RT @Shoq: Dear @glennBeck: So sorry to hear about your appendicitis. We look forward to something more serious, next time. Best. #p2
GB News:: Glenn Beck Has Appendicitis -- Judge A. Napolitano Fills In http://www.glennbecknews.com/?p=8149
GlennBeckNews (Glenn Beck News) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:55:08 -0000
GB News:: Glenn Beck Has Appendicitis -- Judge A. Napolitano Fills In http://www.glennbecknews.com/?p=8149
GB News:: Glenn Beck Hospitalized With Appendicitis http://www.glennbecknews.com/?p=8147
GlennBeckNews (Glenn Beck News) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:54:55 -0000
GB News:: Glenn Beck Hospitalized With Appendicitis http://www.glennbecknews.com/?p=8147
Kids Health: Appendicitis - Learn why kids get appendicitis, how it feels, and what doctors do to help.
Meta Description: [ What's an appendix and why do they sometimes need to be removed? Find out in this article for kids. ]
MedlinePlus: Appendicitis - Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and possible complications. Includes illustrations of the digestive area and the surgical process.
TeensHealth: Appendicitis - Learn about this condition, including symptoms, how it's treated and what to do to feel better.
Meta Description: [ Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tubular piece of tissue about the size of a finger that connects to the large intestine. Find out how it's treated and what you can do to feel better. ]
What is Appendicitis? - Provides simple illustration and description of the inflammation of the appendix.
Meta Description: [ Pediatric surgery at the Babies & Children's Hospital of New York: clinical programs, resources for parents, research, and teaching. Our special programs include minimally invasive surgery, the Pediatric Trauma Program, pediatric cancer surgery, family-centered care, and much else., Pediatric su... ]
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