It affects about 5% of the population across the globe. Appendicitis can be caused by a blockage within the appendix, which causes blood flow issues, inflammation, infection and pressure. The appendix can rupture if not treated on time. The pain caused due to appendicitis should not be ignored, as delay in seeking medical help can lead to the bursting of the appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis.
Home remedies are of no help in treating this condition. However, you may follow some home remedies for a smooth recovery after Appendicectomy ( a surgical procedure to remove the appendix).
What is appendicitis?
The appendix is a small finger-shaped organ connected to the large intestine on the right side of the abdomen. Its exact function is unknown and it is possible to live without one. Appendicitis is a condition that causes the appendix to swell, become inflamed and fill with pus. This can result in a lot of discomforts. Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in people in their teens and twenties.
An inflamed appendix can cause slow and dull pain in the abdomen. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can spread bacteria throughout the abdominal cavity. These bacteria cause peritonitis, a potentially fatal infection that can result in death.
Symptoms of appendicitis
The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins near the belly button, progressing lower and to the right. Other symptoms may include:
Abdominal swelling
Fever-low grade fever
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Nausea
Low-grade fever
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain or tenderness that hurts more when you cough, sneeze, inhale or move.
Constipation
Inability to pass gas
Appendicitis in children may generally not show typical symptoms. A person may also have a frequent and urgent need to urinate, though this is extremely uncommon. Anyone experiencing progressively worsening abdominal pain should seek medical attention. Symptoms of other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may be similar. Nonetheless, all of these conditions necessitate immediate medical attention to avoid any fatal complications.
What causes appendicitis?
The exact cause of appendicitis is unknown in many cases. It is believed to develop when a section of the appendix becomes obstructed or blocked. Many things can obstruct your appendix, including:
Hardening of the stool
Enlarged lymphoid follicles
Worms in the intestine
Tumours
Traumatic injury
Digestive tract diseases
Anyone can get appendicitis. However, some people may be more prone to developing this condition than others. Appendicitis risk factors include:
Age: Appendicitis is most common in teenagers and people in their twenties. But it can happen at any age.
Sex: Males are more likely than females to develop appendicitis.
Family history: People with a family history of appendicitis are more likely to develop it.
Complications
Appendicitis can lead to serious complications if your appendix ruptures, allowing faeces and bacteria to enter your abdominal cavity. A ruptured appendix can cause a variety of painful and potentially fatal infections, including:
Peritonitis-Bacteria from a ruptured appendix can get into your abdominal cavity and cause a fatal infection.
Abscesses- Pockets of pus and infectious fluid in the abdomen.
Sepsis-If the Bacteria from a ruptured appendix can get into your bloodstream. If it does, it can cause a serious condition called sepsis. Sepsis causes widespread inflammation in many of your organs.
To manage and prevent complications, it is best to speak to a healthcare specialist.
Home remedies for appendicitis
Appendicitis starts with a dull pain in the abdominal cavity and then wreaks havoc on the whole body as days pass. Consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised. You will most likely have to undergo immediate surgery. Appendix surgeries are safe and your doctor will recommend medicines, rest and a proper diet that will help you recover fast after the surgery. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions and you can also discuss with them about following a list of home remedies that have been shown to be effective for patients recovering from appendix surgery.
1. Nutritious diet
It may take some time to return to your pre-appendicectomy diet. Eating smaller portions more frequently, such as 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day, can aid in the gradual return to the regular diet. It is critical to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids after appendectomy to avoid constipation and bowel problems. Include foods that contain bromelain, an enzyme that aids in pain relief and wound healing. Zinc deficiency in the diet can interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanism. Choose food that is healthy and easy to digest.
2. Have a lot of vitamin c rich foods
Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C plays an important role in all aspects of wound healing, from neutrophil clearance to scab formation. To ensure a speedy recovery from internal wounds, a vitamin C-rich diet is essential. The highest sources of ascorbic acid or vitamin C are amlas, strawberries, limes, kiwi fruits, red capsicum, guavas, oranges, grapefruit and cauliflower.
3. Consume green gram
Mung beans or green grams contain antibacterial agents, which makes them an ideal post-surgery recovery food. They are regarded as stomach-cooling food. Doctors and practitioners recommend eating one tablespoon of rinsed and soaked green gram every day, either raw, steamed or lightly microwaved. For best results, consume it three times per day.
4. Increase your activities gradually
Rest is essential after appendix surgery, but so is light activity. When you’re ready, gradually increase your activity level. Short walks, even around the house, are a great place to start and can help prevent pneumonia and blood clots. An added benefit is that being active encourages your digestive system to return to normalcy sooner. Constipation can be excruciating, so include some doctor-approved exercise in your daily routine, drink plenty of fluids and take stool softeners if your doctor recommends them.
5. Post-surgery bed exercises
If you recently had an appendectomy, you will most likely be in bed for an extended period of time. Before attempting any exercises while in bed, consult your doctor. If your doctor approves, begin with simple leg pumps and lifts to improve blood flow and circulation in the lower parts of your body. Furthermore, performing bed exercises can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in your lower extremities. Perform these exercises every hour while lying in bed.
6. Gentle abdominal exercises at home
After a few weeks of rest, begin gentle walking and avoid strengthening exercises t. Begin by sitting on the edge of a bed with your feet hanging off the edge. Lift your legs up until they are parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight and core tight. Hold for a few seconds before slowly lowering your legs back to their original position. Repeat until you’re exhausted.
7. A post-appendectomy massage at home
A person may experience severe pain following surgery. Massage alleviates acute pain by promoting recovery and relieving tension. It causes friction between the skin and the fingers, which increases blood flow to the area. A post-appendectomy massage at home can be very relaxing and help to relieve tension. Make sure you consult your doctor about the recovery and get a massage once allowed.
8. Allow yourself plenty of rest
When a person undergoes surgery, the body’s natural response is to halt normal activity so that it can focus on uninterrupted healing. That means you’ll be sleeping a lot more than usual for at least the first week or so after surgery. This period of reduced physical activity is critical, especially after abdominal surgery, either open or laparoscopic. This is because your surgeon had to cut through the visible external muscles and the innermost layer of the abdominal wall, which holds your internal organs in place. If you resume your normal activities before the inner layer has healed, you may develop a hernia, in which part of your intestine squeezes out of the abdominal cavity.
Appendicitis is a serious condition and surgery needs to be done as soon as possible. The post-surgery recovery stage is equally important as the body needs to heal itself. During this period, make sure that you get plenty of rest, eat well and slowly incorporate your daily activities back into your life.
