What Happened To Appendicitis?

By Harvey Tobkes

When I was a young man, I remember appendicitis being quite common among young adults and the cure was an appendectomy. They had to have their appendix removed surgically. In fact, it was afflicting so many people, and was said to be extremely painful, so some had their’s removed as a preventive measure.

Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that projects out from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. The small structure has no known purpose, but that doesn’t mean it can’t cause problems. Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus.

Despite a marked decline in associated mortality over the past 50 years, rates of perforation remain unchanged because they are influenced strongly by factors untouched by the intervening technological advances.

The main symptom of appendicitis is pain that typically begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis usually increases over a period of six to 12 hours, and eventually may become very severe.

Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it most often strikes people between the ages of 10 and 30. Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency abdominal surgery in children.

About this entry

You’re currently reading “What Happened To Appendicitis?,” an entry on Harvey Tobkes.

Published:
10.29.06 15:55
Category:
Health, Informational