This afternoon Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was transferred Otamendi Sanatorium after suffering a stomach ache while serving house arrest in the city of Buenos Aires. The doctors who treated her in her department recommended it Urgent tests to find out whether it was appendicitisa common diagnosis that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The appendicitis consists of inflammation of the Attachmentthe small finger-shaped organ connected to the large intestine, in the lower right part of the abdomen.
Although it was thought for years that the appendix had no function, recent studies suggest some importance in the immune system. The consequences of its inflammation are loud Mayo Cliniccan be serious and requires immediate medical attention.
The occurrence of appendicitis requires quick action because If the procedure is not done in time, the inflamed appendix can rupture and cause severe peritonitis, known as peritonitis.. This scenario endangers the patient’s life.
In most cases, appendicitis occurs Obstruction of the lumen (internal canal) of the appendix. This obstruction can respond to factors such as fecal residue, inflammation resulting from intestinal infections, small tumors, or even accidentally ingested foreign bodies. The abundance of bacteria in the environment triggers a rapid inflammatory reaction, which is accompanied by the formation of pus and internal pressure.
The resulting deposit not only inflames the organHowever, there is a high risk of breakage. In this case, bacteria and infected material spread throughout the abdominal cavity.
Recognize that Symptoms of appendicitis It is crucial because early diagnosis facilitates recovery. The most common early signs include:
- Sudden and persistent pain in the lower right part of the abdomen.
- Pain that begins near the navel and may then move.
- Mild feveroften accompanied by nausea And Loss of appetite.
- Discomfort that worsens when walking, coughing, or making sudden movements.
- abdominal swellingConstipation, diarrhea and flatulence.
According to the Mayo Clinic and Medline PlusThe location and intensity of symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s age and other factors. In older adults, girls, and pregnant women, the pain may be localized to different locations or appear less intense, making diagnosis difficult.
Progressive, focused pain, especially accompanied by fever or nausea, requires urgent medical evaluation.. Experts agree that early intervention significantly increases the chances of a full recovery.
Diagnosis of appendicitis usually begins with a detailed physical examination to detect sensitivity and reaction to pressure in the abdominal cavity.
The medical team may also order blood tests to look for an elevated white blood cell count, as well as a urine test to rule out other causes, such as urinary tract infections.
For more precision they usually ask imaging testsamong them Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allows confirmation of appendicitis or identification of other diseases with similar symptoms. The importance of an accurate diagnosis lies in the fact that appendicitis has the same symptoms as other abdominal diseases, which can complicate treatment if not detected in a timely manner.
The classic approach to appendicitis is Appendectomyi.e. an operation to remove the appendix. This procedure can be carried out by open or laparoscopic surgery. The second option, minimally invasive, promotes a faster recovery with less pain and a lower risk of noticeable scars.
ANDIn certain cases, especially when the diagnosis is not clear or the development is stable, the medical team may decide to start treatment. antibiotic. However, for most patients, surgery remains the final solution to avoid new episodes or complications.
For complicated appendicitis – if the organ ruptures – It is common for the patient to require intravenous antibiotics and, in some cases, abscess drainage along with subsequent surgery. The length of hospital stay can vary from one to several days depending on the clinical development after the procedure.
Most people who undergo surgery for appendicitis achieve this return to your everyday life after a few daysas long as the procedure and the postoperative period go without incident.
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