on the side, where does it hurt, what causes it, signs and symptoms, what to do

Men develop appendicitis more often than women.

Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency surgery. Every year in Russia, 400-600 thousand operations are performed to remove an inflamed appendix. No one is immune from appendicitis: the appendix can become inflamed even in a young and completely healthy person. But there are factors that increase the risk of developing this condition. Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist at the Hemotest Laboratory, talks about them.

How is the appendix different from appendicitis?

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix (worm-shaped appendix), a small part of the cecum. It is not involved in the digestive process, but it affects the activity of the immune system and the regulation of hormone balance. It also helps to maintain normal intestinal microflora. However, the appendix is ​​not considered a vital organ: if there is appendicitis, it is removed. The lack of appendix does not have a major impact on human health.

Why does the appendix become inflamed?

The main cause of appendicitis is obstruction of the lumen of the appendix by feces, parasitic worms, and foreign bodies. This can also occur as a result of a tumor or the development of adhesions on the walls of the process. Pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply actively in the appendix, which eventually leads to inflammation. The risk of appendicitis increases in people who suffer from frequent abortions. To avoid them, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet, regularly eat vegetables and herbs that are rich in fiber, which is necessary for the development of normal microflora and good intestinal movements. The likelihood of inflammation increases parasitosis. To prevent them, it is necessary to follow basic hygiene rules, and if you suspect that you have a helminth infection, make a diagnosis and start treatment.

Also, the risk of appendicitis is influenced by factors that are not dependent on a person’s lifestyle. This condition occurs more often in people whose relatives have experienced inflammation of the appendix, in those who grew up in rural areas, and men develop appendicitis more often the women. Inflammation of the appendix can be stimulated by taking probiotics and antibiotics.

Can seeds and pits cause appendicitis?

The claim that sunflower seeds or apple pits can cause appendicitis is a myth. They do not directly affect the inflammatory process. Several years ago, Turkish doctors did a study. It showed that out of 2,000 patients who had their appendix removed, only one had appendicitis caused by fruit pits.

Symptoms of appendicitis

It is important to remember that even a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and strict adherence to hygiene rules cannot provide 100% protection against appendicitis. Main sign inflamed appendix – severe pain, which is usually felt between the costal arches or near the navel, less often – in another part of the abdomen. Also, with appendicitis, the temperature can rise to 37-38 C, nausea and vomiting often occur, the person loses appetite, and feels weak.

What to do if you have appendicitis

If you suspect appendicitis, you must call an ambulance, which will take the patient to a medical facility for emergency surgery. If it is not done within two days, it is very likely that there will be serious problems: peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum), blood poisoning, thrombosis of the portal vein (it collects blood coming from the abdominal organs and carries it to the adha). . Until doctors arrive, you should not drink, eat, warm your stomach, or take laxatives, pain relievers, or heartburn medications.