Patients often ask us, “Is appendicitis genetic?” According to the research, almost half of the possibilities related to acute appendicitis are associated with genetic factors. In fact, people with a family history of acute appendicitis are nearly 3 times more at risk. Read along to learn more about what appendicitis is, its causes, and how to treat it.
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is when your appendix becomes swollen, diseased, or sore. And so, it’s a medical emergency that requires you to seek urgent care. It occurs when your appendix gets filled with mucus, parasites, or stool causing it to swell.
If not treated, it can burst or rupture. This damage can occur within a couple of days after you have symptoms. If this happens, see your doctor right away to avoid a life-threatening situation.
What causes appendicitis?
Various infections in your digestive tract can cause appendicitis. This includes viruses, parasites, or bacteria. It can also occur when the tube that joins your appendix and large intestine is blocked by stool. Appendicitis may also be caused by tumors.
When this happens, the appendix becomes swollen and sore. This disturbs the blood flow, leading to appendix deterioration. It can also create holes or tears in the walls, which allow mucus, infection, and stool to leak through the stomach. This can lead to a serious infection called peritonitis.
Is appendicitis genetic?
Appendicitis occurs in about one in every 1,000 Americans each year. People between the ages of 10 and 30 years are more vulnerable to this condition. Moreover, people having a family history of appendicitis are 3 times more at risk, especially men. Children with cystic fibrosis are also at risk of getting appendicitis.
Symptoms of appendicitis
The following are some common symptoms of appendicitis.
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fever and chills
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Swollen belly
- Difficulty in passing gas
- Constipation
It’s advisable not to take pain relievers. This is because they may hide symptoms that your doctor needs to know about.
How do we treat appendicitis?
As you now know, appendicitis is a medical emergency. Your doctor will advise you to have surgery for appendix removal.
The surgeon may remove your appendix via an open procedure or laparoscopy.
If your appendix hasn’t burst, your recovery will only take a few days. Otherwise, your recovery will likely take longer and require antibiotic medication. Don’t worry; you can live a normal life without the appendix. In fact, you might not need any changes in diet or exercise.
Complications of Appendicitis
The only complication with appendicitis is not getting professional treatment on time. Suppose the appendix is burst and the appendix isn’t removed quickly. In that case, it can cause peritonitis, a severe infection in the belly. This condition can cause death if not treated immediately!
Can I prevent appendicitis?
Currently, there’s no known way to prevent appendicitis.
Contact San Ramon Urgent Care & Clinic
If you experience any appendicitis symptoms, contact San Ramon Urgent Care & Clinic. Our doctors will assess your symptoms and determine the exact cause of abdominal pain. Our services are widespread through 925-361-5959 San Ramon, 209-825-5155 Manteca, and 209 983 9000 Lothrop. Call for more assistance.