The Summary of Appendicitis Causes

Generally, if physicians are asked, What are the causes of appendicitis?  Most of them would answer that there is no exact reason for appendicitis.  However, several theories have been forwarded.

Some Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is basically the condition wherein the appendix becomes inflamed.  Some people believe that the causes of appendicitis relate to the colonization of microorganisms in the appendix.  Another probably cause for appendicitis maybe attributed to blockage in the organ which reduces or limits blood supply to the appendix.  This could lead to perforation resulting to huge pus formation in the appendix.  This is why symptoms of appendicitis should not be ignored.

Other Probably Causes of Appendicitis
Aside from the alre ady mentioned probably causes, there are still other probable causes of appendicitis.  These include:

1) Secretion of abundant amount of mucus.  For some unknown reasons, the appendix could secrete mucus into the lumen.  This mucus combined with cells from the lining of the appendix walls can create a thick substance which results to lumen blockage.

2) Faecolith.  Unfortunately, feces could get into the appendixâ?T lumen.  This hardens and eventually creates a blockage which reduces the blood supply in the appendix.  This also blocks additional feces from passing through the lumen.  This eventually results to appendicitis.  To counteract this, people are advised to drink plenty of fluids and to eat foods that are rich in fiber.

3) Worms.  This is another cause of appendicitis.  This is not common though in the United States or other Western countries; however, worms are fairly common in third world countr ies.  These worms can block the lumen.  This reduces the blood supply to the organ; and this eventually results to appendicitis.  This may be blamed to the absence of adequate sanitary facilities in third-world countries.

4) Tumor.  This is a rare cause of appendicitis.  However, if it happens, it seems to occur more often on elderly people.  The typical tumor associated with appendicitis is the Characinoid tumor.

5) Swollen glands from bacterial or viral infections  It might come to you as a surprise but common colds or infections that people may typically shrugged off could actually cause appendicitis.  The wall of the appendix may become swollen.  This eventually leads into lumen blockage.  This is probably why people would often get appendicitis in winter or when itâ?Ts cold.

6) Genetics.  You can never disregard genetics play on people passing on or acquiring their parentâ?Ts diseases.

7) Diet-induced.  Physicians have noticed that patients whose diet consists mainly of high fiber foods are typically safe from developing diagnosis.  There arises the belief that constipation, which may eventually cause appendicitis, may be diet related.

Oftentimes, a blockage in the appendix would eventually cause appendicitis.  If this inflammation continues without treatment, the appendix may perforate or rupture.  This is the reason why doctors would advise that their patients undergo surgery before the appendix ruptures.

A ruptured appendix may cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.  If the bacteria from the ruptured appendix flow into the vagina, this could cause sepsis.