Appendicitis - What is it and What Causes it? - By: IC

Simply put appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a thin close-ended tube which it is attached to the first part of the colon, is part of the colon produces mucus which is transferred into the cecum. When the opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked for any reason, the appendix becomes inflamed.

Causes of appendicitis:

This is for inflammation of the appendix can vary, it is believed that if the appendix produces mucus which is transferred into the cecum, such mucus may harden so much that it obstructs the opening of the appendix.

Another factor which triggers inflammation of the appendix is the introduction of stool which travels from the cecum into the appendix blocking the opening, once this stool particle gets to this part of the intestine it becomes very hard, almost rock-like, this rock is also referred to as fecalith which literally means rock of stool.

Swollen lymphatic tissue may also be a reason why the appendix becomes inflamed, if this condition is met with it. Which is normally found within the appendix will begin to effect its own walls and the way our body responds to such infection is by mounting an attack on the bacteria which causes inflammation

Yet another theory which tries to explain the reason for appendicitis suggest that if the appendix becomes ruptured bacteria which is found outside of the appendix may enter and invade this area causing inflammation, the causes for such rupture may be in part triggered by partial inflammation. After the appendix has ruptured the infection may spread to the small area which surrounds this part of the intestine however, it is often confined to a small place, the result of such rupture combined with infection can produce abscesses.

In some cases a person's body is able to contain the infection and rupture of the appendix by healing this area without the need of surgical intervention, this only happens if the infection doesn't spread across the abdominal area. After a person's body has successfully healed this problem the symptoms and pain may disappear however, an internal scar is formed which is felt from the exterior as a lump which raises suspicion of cancer.

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