The most common causes of appendicitis and you need to know

The appendix is a small tube-shaped structure that attaches to the starting end of the large intestine. The exact function of this tiny organ is not known for sure. However, you can get appendicitis (appendicitis) if the organ becomes blocked and becomes inflamed. So, what is the cause of appendicitis? Come on, find out the answer below.

The main causes of appendicitis (appendicitis)

Inflammation of the appendix vermiformis (appendix) is an early cause of appendicitis (appendicitis). Inflammation can occur when there is hardened stool, foreign bodies, or even cancer cells that block the appendix.

Problems in the digestive system can be partially or completely cover the appendix tract. This blockage can then become a new home for bacteria to multiply.

Bacterial infection over time can cause the appendix to become inflamed, swollen, and filled with pus. If the blockage covers the entire appendix cavity, it will need surgery.

Appendicitis most often affects children. About 4 out of every 1,000 children under the age of 14 have had an appendectomy. Even so, it is possible that adolescents and adults can also experience it, especially in the age of 15-30 years.

Risk factors that could be the cause of appendicitis

In many cases, the cause of appendicitis is not fully understood. However, some people are prone to appendicitis due to several factors.

Several factors can cause appendicitis to be more prone to occur, including:

1. Genetic

Not many know that appendicitis can be inherited from parents. Yes! Genetic factors play a role in the increased risk of a person experiencing acute appendicitis. As many as 56 percent of cases of appendicitis refer to genetic factors.

The risk of a child developing appendicitis can increase up to 10 times if one of the immediate family members (father, mother, or sibling) has a history of appendicitis, is either active or has been treated.

The cause of appendicitis being an inherited disease in the family is reportedly related to the HLA system (human leukocyte antigen) and blood type.

Research has found that people with blood type A have a higher risk of developing appendicitis than type O.

2. Eating less fiber

Basically, food is not the cause of appendicitis. However, certain foods that are not properly digested by the body can build up and clog the appendix, causing it to become inflamed.

Several types of foods that cause appendicitis are fast food, foods that are high in carbohydrates, and low in fiber.

A study that looked at nearly two thousand children in Greece reported that children who eat less fiber are more at risk of developing appendicitis than those who are used to eating a balanced diet.

Another case study conducted in the United States found the risk of appendicitis in children whose fiber intake was more than adequate was down to 30% lower than in children who rarely ate fiber.

Appendicitis is most often caused by the build-up of hardened stool, a sign of constipation. Fiber can increase the weight and size of the stool because it is absorbent in water. This makes the stool texture softer, making it easier to pass through the anus. Hard stool can be a sign that you are not eating enough fibrous foods.

3. Injury or impact to the stomach

A study published in the journal Biomed Central reports that a small proportion of cases of injury to the stomach can cause appendicitis. This is especially true if the injury or trauma occurred in the abdomen near the appendix, whether it was a fall, puncture, or a blunt force blow.

In this study conducted in Morocco, researchers found that a stab wound in the stomach can cause the appendix to swell and the lymphoid tissue of the appendix to enlarge. So, what doctors can do to save the patient is to remove the appendix to avoid serious complications.

A 2010 study in the UK also found cases of stomach trauma from falling on your stomach or having a blow to the stomach can cause appendicitis.

The study reported that an 11-year-old boy who fell on his brother's body on the right side of his stomach while playing the trampoline, experienced pain, nausea and vomiting afterward. After being examined, the doctor found inflammation in the appendix.

However, cases of appendicitis due to impact on the stomach are still quite rare. Doctors and researchers do not yet know the exact link between stomach injury and appendicitis.

When to see a doctor immediately?

Appendicitis symptoms generally appear within the first 24 hours after infection appears. Symptoms can get worse after 48 hours of developing the infection.

If you are aware that you have or have experienced some of the factors above, as well as the following symptoms of appendicitis, consult a doctor immediately.

Pain in the lower right abdomen, the pain will increase when the stomach is pressed
In pregnant women, pain will be felt in the upper abdomen
You have a fever
Loss of appetite due to nausea or vomiting
Body feels weak
Can't fart
Diarrhea or bloody stools
The stomach is enlarged or bloated

The doctor will generally provide pain relievers to relieve these symptoms, and recommend that you undergo surgery. An appendectomy will be performed if the obstruction or injury to the stomach is so severe that the appendix must be removed.

Appendicitis surgery can be done by making a large incision in the stomach or several small incisions at once to remove the infected appendix that causes appendicitis. This medical procedure is also performed to prevent the appendix from recurring.

Before and after surgery, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection in the surgical wound that can lead to further complications.

Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition. If within 72 hours from the onset of symptoms, you have not received doctor's care, the appendix can rupture. This condition requires immediate medical attention because it is life threatening.