Appendicitis

*Definition:-*

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch that projects from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. The appendix doesn't seem to have a specific purpose.

Appendicitis causes pain in your lower right abdomen. However, in most people, pain begins around the navel and then moves. As inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe.

*Causes:-*

A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.

*Symptoms:-*

*Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:

- Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen
- Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen
- Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating

The site of your pain may vary, depending on your age and the position of your appendix. When you're pregnant, the pain may seem to come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy.

*Signs:-*
On examination, doctor can elicit tenderness in the right iliac fossa.

There can be rebound tenderness; it is the pain that is worse when the doctor quickly releases his or her hand after gently pressing the area of tenderness on the abdomen.

Rectal examination
May disclose tenderness in the right side of pelvis.

*Homoeopathy Medicine*

*Arsenicum album:*
This is used when the appendicitis has resulted in sepsis and the patient also suffers from diarrhea.

*Belladonna:*
This is an early stage remedy for cases where appendicitis is accompanied by headache, fever

*Bryonia alba:*
This is an effective remedy when the pain aggravates with movement.

*Colocynthis:*
This is a recommended remedy when the patient experiences spasmodic or entwining pain, which worsens with indigestion. Applying warm pressure over the area helps in such cases

*Dioscorea:*
When the pain is constant, the perso never being entirely free from pain.Dioscorea is as important a remedy in appendicitis as is Bryonia in hepatitis

*Ignatia:*
Terrible pain in appendix with fear of operation is an important mental symptom. The knees drawn up to chin. Body hot and rigid. The person is sensitive, alert and nervous and acutely in mind and body at the same time. Has griping and stitching pains.

*Iris Tenax:*
Well known remedy for appendicitis; pain in the ileocecal region, extreme tenderness on pressure.

*Lachesis:*
A marked action on appendicitis pain when pain is aggravated by slightest touch. Acute pain in liver extending towards stomach (contrary to the general "left to right" direction of Lachesis). Sensitiveness all over the abdomen and stitching from the seat of the inflammation backward and downward to the thighs. The person lies on the back with knees drawn up.

*Natrum sulphuricum:*
It has cured many cases resembling the first stage of appendicitis. Pain and tenderness in the whole abdomen. Flatulence. Colic. Rending, tearing, cutting pains throughout the abdomen. Stitching pains in the abdomen. Violent neuralgic pains in the abdomen; inflammation of the bowels, of the peritoneum; appendicitis.

*Rhus Tox:*
This remedy is also called the 'homeopathic knife' to treat appendicitis. It is used when the pain is constant and the patient is never free from pain.

*Other Homeopathic Remedies for Appendicitis:-*

Arnica, Fer.Phos., Hep.Sulp., Kali Mur, Mag.phos., Mer.Cor., Merc.Sol., Plumb., Lycopodium, Phos., Sulphur.