Complications of Appendicitis

We all have heard how our appendix is a useless organ since its removal produces no ill effects in most cases. But recently scientists have proven that our appendix acts as a ‘safe house’ for beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria train our immunity and can help prevent diseases.

But there are times when these dangerous bacteria gain an upper hand in the gut causing diarrheas that flush out the contents of the gut. When this happens, researchers reason that the beneficial bacteria may retreat to the safety of the appendix which remains untouched. When the immunity has beaten the infection, these beneficial bacteria emerge from the appendix and get recolonized in the gut.

However when our immunity is weak, these bacteria or viruses can cause inflammation of the appendix called appendicitis. When this inflamed appendix is left untreated, inflammation worsens, increasing the pressure on the blood vessels and reducing the blood supply of the appendix.

There may be many complications of appendicitis, as below:

Pressure builds in the inflamed appendix and may burst open. When your appendix ruptures, it spreads infection throughout your abdominal peritoneum (the silk-like membrane that lines the abdominal cavity) called Peritonitis. Peritonitis is an acute emergency condition. This life threatening complication of appendicitis shows symptoms like-

Severe abdominal pain
Sick feeling
High body temperature
Swelling of abdomen
Palpitation
Shortness of breath

If left untreated, it can even be fatal.

Sometimes, an abscess (pus-filled sac) forms around a burst appendix. This is our body’s attempt to contain the infection. The abdominal structures and the scar tissue will prevent the infected appendix from spreading the bacteria. Symptoms would be similar to the appendicitis-

Pain in the lower abdomen right side
Diarrhea
Nausea and/or vomiting
Loss of appetite
High fever, chills
Feeling of rectal fullness

Sometimes, there could be blockage or obstruction of the intestine. Blockage happens when the swelling surrounding the appendix compresses the intestine preventing the contents of the intestine from passing. Now the part of the intestine above the blockage begins to fill with liquid and gas, there is bloating of abdomen, nausea and vomiting. This would then require drainage of the contents of the intestine.

Sepsis, the most serious complication of appendicitis, is a condition in which the infecting bacteria enter the blood and travel to other parts of the body. This condition is could become a life threatening complication of appendicitis; but is a rare condition.

As far as homeopathy for appendicitis is concerned, homeopathy is indicated in the early stage on the first or second day. However acute appendicitis may be better managed under the supervision of a surgeon. Homeopathic treatment for chronic and recurrent cases of appendicitis is a good option. If you are suffering from appendicitis, get your case evaluated by Dr Rajesh Shah’s associate doctors at LifeForce homeopathy. You can leave your details below or call us at +91-22-66888888 or email us at info@lifeforce.in. Our associate doctors will help you decide if your case is better suited for surgery or homeopathy.
– Dr Roopal Shukla, Associate Doctor to Dr Rajesh Shah, Team LifeForce