What's the cause of appendicitis?

Question

They say the cause is really unknown. any recent studies known?

Answer 1

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Causes and Symptoms
The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the colon. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. It has no known function. Removal of the appendix appears to cause no change in digestive function.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Once it starts, there is no effective medical therapy, so appendicitis is considered a medical emergency. When treated promptly, most patients recover without difficulty. If treatment is delayed, the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen. Anyone can get appendicitis, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30.

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Causes of Appendicitis
The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix, known as the lumen. The blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, gangrene and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix can result.
Most commonly, feces blocks the inside of the appendix. Also, bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and cause obstruction. This swelling of lymph nodes is known as lymphoid hyperplasia. Traumatic injury to the abdomen may lead to appendicitis in a small number of people. Genetics may be a factor in others. For example, appendicitis that runs in families may result from a genetic variant that predisposes a person to obstruction of the appendiceal lumen.

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Symptoms of Appendicitis
Symptoms of appendicitis may include
Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, then moving to the lower right area
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Inability to pass gas
Low fever that begins after other symptoms
Abdominal swelling
Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms. The pain intensifies and worsens when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. The area becomes very tender. People may have a sensation called "downward urge," also known as "tenesmus," which is the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort. Laxatives and pain medications should not be taken in this situation. Anyone with these symptoms needs to see a qualified physician immediately. People With Special Concerns
Patients with special conditions may not have the set of symptoms above and may simply experience a general feeling of being unwell. Patients with these conditions include

People who use immunosuppressive therapy such as steroids
People who have received a transplanted organ
People infected with the HIV virus
People with diabetes
People who have cancer or who are receiving chemotherapy
Obese people
Pregnant women, infants and young children, and the elderly have particular issues.
Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are more common during pregnancy and may or may not be the signs of appendicitis. Many women who develop appendicitis during pregnancy do not experience the classic symptoms. Pregnant women who experience pain on the right side of the abdomen need to contact a doctor. Women in their third trimester are most at risk.

Infants and young children cannot communicate their pain history to parents or doctors. Without a clear history, doctors must rely on a physical exam and less specific symptoms, such as vomiting and fatigue. Toddlers with appendicitis sometimes have trouble eating and may seem unusually sleepy. Children may have constipation, but may also have small stools that contain mucus. Symptoms vary widely among children. If you think your child has appendicitis, contact a doctor immediately.

Older patients tend to have more medical problems than young patients. The elderly often experience less fever and less severe abdominal pain than other patients do. Many older adults do not know that they have a serious problem until the appendix is close to rupturing. A slight fever and abdominal pain on one's right side are reasons to call a doctor right away.

All patients with special concerns and their families need to be particularly alert to a change in normal functioning and patients should see their doctors sooner, rather than later, when a change occurs.

Answer 2

The cause of appendicitis is not fully understood. In most cases, a blockage inside the appendix probably starts a process in which the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. If inflammation continues without treatment, the appendix can rupture. A ruptured appendix spills bacteria-laden intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis (, which may result in a life-threatening infection

Answer 3

It really doesn't sound like appendicitis as usually when you have it you are in so much pain you can't walk have a high fever and feel incredibly sick and dizzy etc.If you are really worried go to a doctor and have it checked out as it could be early signs of it though I doubt it. I am pretty sure that swallowing fingernails doesn't cause it but it is just like they whole thing gets blocked and infected and then if you are unlucky like I was pops lol. Just get it checked out it could be something else

Answer 4

What I know from my biology class is that appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, usually through some form of infection. The use of the appendix is still not clear and it has been found that like your tonsils, you can live without it. The appendix does play a small role in protecting your body from infections though.

Anyway, I was told by my zoology professor that one way of getting the appendix infected was when seeds that we eat like pepper and guava seeds get trapped in the appendix and rot there, they tend to generate bacteria that doesn't belong and this is what brings about the infection and gradual inflammation of the organ.

hope this helps

Answer 5

it can sometimes be your diet or fittness