A general physician at Optimal Children’s Clinic, Surulere, Dr Abiola Ajala, said on Tuesday that constant pain in the abdomen which gradually worsens is a likely sign of appendicitis. "Appendicitis is a painful condition that causes the swelling of the appendix. Although it can occur at any age, it is a condition more common in young people than in older people. It starts with a pain in the middle of the abdomen that comes and go, and can get severe and travels to the lower right hand side of the abdomen within hours," she said.
She also identified nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, diarrhoea and fever as other possible symptoms of appendicitis. "Appendicitis is regarded as a medical emergency because if it is left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually rupture and cause
infected pus to spread throughout the abdomen. Other complications include blockage of the intestine and sepsis or blood poisoning. Sepsis is what we want to avoid; it is a situation in which infecting bacteria enter the blood and travel to other parts of the body; this can be potentially life-threatening," she said.
According to her, appendicitis is not preventable. "However, studies show that it is less common in people who have diets high in fibre including fruits and vegetables,” she said.
Source: Nigerianbulletin.com
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