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Appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix—a finger-shaped organ connected to the end of the large intestine—becomes infected. Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, often starting near the belly button. The pain may move down to the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery (appendix surgery is called an appendectomy) and is most likely to strike people between the ages of 10 and 30—although it can occur at any age.
Appendicitis News
Hospital Type Linked to Racial Disparities in Kids With Appendicitis Complication
FRIDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) — The type of hospital in which minority children with appendicitis receive care may affect their chances of developing a perforated or ruptured appendix, according to a new study. However, the study authors said that more research is needed to explain why this racial disparity exists and what steps can [...]
Speed Bumps May Aid Appendicitis Diagnosis
Speed bumps are great for slowing down heavy-footed motorists, but they might speed up the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, a new study says. Although there is no specific clinical diagnostic test for appendicitis, researchers in Great Britain found that if patients’ abdominal pain got worse while driving over speed bumps, they were more likely to have the condition.
Marijuana, Real or Fake, Can Lead to Unusual Gastro Problem
The regular use of either natural or synthetic marijuana can lead to severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to two sets of new case studies. This little-known condition, called cannabinoid hyperemesis, is a serious burden to the health care system because doctors often use expensive diagnostic tests and ineffective treatments in an effort to identify the cause of the patient’s symptoms and treat them, the researchers said.
Surgery May Beat Antibiotics for Appendicitis, Study Finds
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, May 5 (HealthDay News) — Although some researchers believe antibiotics can often cure appendicitis, surgery remains the more effective treatment, French investigators suggest. Uncomplicated appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics alone, but complicated appendicitis, where the appendix is perforated, requires surgery, and it is difficult to discern between the two, the researchers [...]
Delayed Appendicitis Surgery Not Linked to Worse Outcomes
TUESDAY, Sept. 21 (HealthDay News) — A delay of 12 or more hours before removing the appendix of patients with acute appendicitis does not lead to poorer outcomes, a new study shows. U.S. researchers analyzed national data from 32,782 patients with acute appendicitis who underwent an appendectomy between 2005 and 2008. Of those patients, 75.2 percent [...]
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