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Appendix may not be cause of the problem.


Byline: AskAlan

QOur daughter, ten, gets a lot of abdomen discomfort. Might this be her appendix? AYes but it could be unrelated, and the early signs of appendicitis Appendicitis Definition

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is the worm-shaped pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix has no known function in the body, but it can become diseased.
 are similar to those of other conditions such as urinary tract infection urinary tract infection (UTI),
n infection in one or more of the structures that make up the urinary system. Occurs more often in women and is most commonly caused by bacteria.
.

The typical symptom is of abdominal pain Abdominal pain can be one of the symptoms associated with transient disorders or serious disease. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult, because many diseases can result in this symptom. Abdominal pain is a common problem.  that gets worse, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting vomiting, ejection of food and other matter from the stomach through the mouth, often preceded by nausea. The process is initiated by stimulation of the vomiting center of the brain by nerve impulses from the gastrointestinal tract or other part of the body. , constipation, or loss of appetite loss of appetite Medtalk Anorexia, see there , but again thatmay be true of other conditions.

Pressing on the painful area willmake it worse. Appendicitis is caused either by a direct infection, or by an obstruction within the intestine that then triggers an infection.

It presents over several hours and gets worse, with the risk of serious complications if untreated.

What is needed most is a diagnosis, so you know what you are dealing with.

If it is the appendix, surgery to remove it is completely effective, very low risk and leaves a barely noticeable scar. The appendix was once thought to be a useless hangover from our past, but although it is now thought to play a role in immunity, removal does not leave any noticeable effects.

Ask your GP to determine the cause of the discomfort.
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Title Annotation:Features
Publication:Birmingham Mail (England)
Date:Nov 3, 2009
Words:190
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