Introduction
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix and usually manifests itself as severe pain in the right lower abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Approximately 7% of the population will develop appendicitis during their lifetime, with the disease peaking between the ages of 10 and 20. The only causal therapy is the removal of the appendix by means of a so-called appendectomy.
How can one imagine the appendix?
The appendicitis is a worm-like, usually 8-10 cm long, in exceptions also significantly longer, protrusion of the appendix (caecum), which is the first part of the colon. Contrary to earlier assumptions, it is not a functionless remnant from evolution, but has important tasks in the defence against germs and pathogens, which is why it is often called ‘intestinal tonsil’. The wall of the appendix consists mainly of lymph follicles, in which cells of the immune system are found together.
Due to the structure of the wall, its elasticity is very limited, so that the pressure in the organ can quickly increase and thus inflammatory processes are promoted. Furthermore, the inner diameter (lumen) of the appendix is much narrower (approx. 1-2 mm) than that of the other intestinal components. A blockage of the narrow lumen is therefore not unlikely.
Overview of the causes of appendicitis
The causes of appendicitis are largely to be found in the organ’s blueprint. Various factors can now trigger the inflammation, although the exact cause of the disease often remains unclear. For example, faeces stones can close the opening.
Bacteria multiply there and penetrate deep into the mucous membrane. Certain bacteria, e.g. Escheria coli or Campylobacter, cause direct damage to the wall structure, so that pain sensations are caused. The following causes can be present: The exact cause of the disease can often only be determined after a fine tissue (histological) examination of the removed appendix by a pathologist.
Not infrequently, general but also local infections of the intestine lead to appendicitis. These are often diseases spread by viruses, such as measles, Epstein-Barr virus, flu or even scarlet fever. Sometimes, in children, appendicitis and tonsillitis (tonsillitis) are associated with each other for 2-3 weeks.
The infections cause the defence cells in the wall of the appendix to react, causing swelling. Another cause is the blood supply to the organ. In the event of an occlusion, blood flow may be reduced, so that the appendix is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen (so-called ischemia).
Consequential damage to the wall of the organ can result. – Excrement stones
- Constipation
- Mechanical buckling
- Scars
- Undigested food components (cherry stones, melon seeds and grape seeds)
- Foreign matter
- Infections
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Worms /Parasites
- Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
- Appendix tumors (rare, here a tumor blocks the opening)
- Appendix diverticulosis (rare, see diverticulitis)
Constipation is one of the possible causes or at least one of the factors that can lead to appendicitis. When constipation occurs, the stool is particularly hard and the passage through the colon is slowed.
As a result, stool can accumulate in the appendix and a faecal stone, for example, can also block the appendix. As a result, there is an excessive proliferation of intestinal bacteria, which can penetrate the wall of the appendix appendix appendix and trigger the inflammatory reaction there. Anyone suffering from constipation should therefore take early measures to treat it.
First and foremost: stool softeners can be taken if there is insufficient improvement. Laxatives should only be used in exceptional cases. – the intake of sufficient fluid
- A lot of movement
- A diet rich in fibre
The appendix appendix is a blind ending appendage of the intestine with only one small opening.
An inflammation of this organ often has a mechanical cause. The appendix can either bend or be closed by a cherry pit or a faecal stone, for example. As a result, intestinal bacteria can multiply excessively and penetrate the wall of the appendix appendage of the appendix.
There they cause an inflammatory reaction which leads to the typical symptoms of appendicitis. It is assumed that mechanical causes are often responsible for appendicitis. However, the cause often remains unexplained.
Excessive stress has negative effects on the whole body and can be partly responsible for a variety of diseases. Stress can reduce the function of the body’s own defence system and thus, among other things, promote the development of inflammatory reactions. Stress can therefore also be partly responsible for the development of appendicitis.
However, this is not the only cause. Often the inflammation of the appendix has a mechanical cause, for example when the appendix is bent or closed by a faecal stone. In most cases, however, the cause of appendicitis remains unclear.
Excessive alcohol consumption has a negative effect on most organ systems and can, among other things, lead to damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol can also increase susceptibility to inflammation. Nevertheless, appendicitis is not usually directly attributable to excessive alcohol consumption.
People who consume little or no alcohol also frequently develop appendicitis. Nevertheless, alcohol should only be consumed in moderation and not too frequently, in order to avoid life-threatening organ damage. Psychosomatic” refers to complaints that have a psychological cause but are perceived as physical complaints.
No actual damage or illness or impairment of the body can be proven. In principle, psychosomatic complaints can occur in any organ system and in any region of the body. For example, typical symptoms of appendicitis such as severe pain in the right lower abdomen can also have psychosomatic causes.
However, the appendix is not actually inflamed. In case of such complaints, one will often decide to have the appendix removed surgically anyway, since only such an operation can ultimately determine whether the appendix is really inflamed or not. If the complaints persist, another cause of the complaints is more likely.
A psychosomatic illness is therefore not a cause of appendicitis, but can itself be responsible for the complaints if a physical cause could be excluded. Contaminated water or food can introduce parasites or worms into the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause various complaints. If such a parasite settles in the area of the appendix, it can trigger an inflammatory reaction there and thus be responsible for appendicitis.
In Germany, due to the high quality of drinking water, such infections are less frequent, but not impossible. Especially after a journey to less developed regions, parasite-triggered appendicitis can also occur. As with all forms of appendicitis, surgical therapy is the treatment of choice. If a parasite is detected, drug therapy may also be necessary.
