Appendicitis is a health condition whereby the appendix (the pouch attached to the large intestine) swells up or gets infected. It may be caused by virus, bacteria, or parasite in your digestive tract. If left untreated, Appendicitis can turn fatal. The pain associated with Appendicitis typically begins as mild cramps in the upper abdomen or around the belly button region before progressing to the lower right quadrant of the stomach. The prevalence of this health condition is quite common. Between 1990 and 2019, there was a 63.55% increase in the global Appendicitis incidence rate.
Let us take a peek into the types of Appendicitis.
What are the Types of Appendicitis?
There are 2 types of Appendicitis, and they comprise:
- Acute Appendicitis: An abrupt and severe form of Appendicitis, acute Appendicitis predominantly affects individuals aged 10 to 30, with a higher incidence in males. The onset of intense pain occurs rapidly, escalating within 24 hours. Swift medical intervention is essential, as untreated cases may lead to appendix rupture, posing a serious and potentially fatal complication.
- Chronic Appendicitis: This form of Appendicitis is less prevalent than its acute counterpart, affecting approximately 5% of individuals with a history of Appendicitis. In chronic instances, symptoms are often mild and tend to manifest after an episode of acute Appendicitis. These symptoms may subside temporarily, only to resurface intermittently over weeks, months, or even years. Diagnosing this form of Appendicitis can be challenging.
While Appendicitis is not directly inherited, there is a possibility that genetics play a role in contributing to certain factors that can lead to the condition.
Conclusion
Appendicitis needs immediate attention whenever symptoms show up. Delaying intervention can lead to complications, such as the appendix rupturing, which poses significant health risks. When discussing medical intervention, we must emphasise the need to invest in a health insurance plan as it provides financial coverage against several health concerns.
References: PubMed, Healthline
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