Appendicitis
Description
Appendicitis, the most common major surgical disease, is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix due to a bacterial infection. Once infected, the appendix may become increasingly swollen and filled with pus until it bursts, spreading bacteria to surrounding areas. The primary infection occurs so quickly that the appendix can become gangrenous within hours of the first symptoms. If bursting occurs, an extremely serious complication is peritonitis; if left untreated this is fatal. Because the morbidity rate of peritonitis is so high, up to 25% of appendices are removed as a precautionary measure, and are, in fact, uninfected.
Overall, appendicitis is slightly more common in women than in men, although between the years of puberty and 25 it is more common in the latter. Nevertheless, this disease can affect anyone, being most prevalent in those between the ages 10 and 30.
If a person ever experiences symptoms of fever with nausea and abdominal pain, they should report to a surgical hospital immediately. If these symptoms occur, do not eat, drink, take medications, or do anything which may disturb the digestive tract in any way. This could cause the appendix to rupture. Appendicitis cannot be prevented but prompt diagnosis can lead to effective treatment. This will almost invariably include the surgical removal of the appendix.
Causes
Primary Factors
The primary cause of appendicitis is bacterial infection of the appendix.
Predisposing Factors
Appendix becomes clogged and harbors bacteria; clogging may occur because of:
Calculi, believed the most common cause of obstruction
Waste matter
Intestinal worms or other parasites
Stricture of the intestine
Barium ingestion
Any other material which may prevent normal drainage
Lymphoid hyperplasia associated with viral infection
Twisting of the appendix due to adhesion
Malfunction of the valve system at the entrance of the appendix
Signs & Symptoms
Early Symptoms
Deep or sharp pain in the navel area of the abdomen
Rebound tenderness
Intensified pain due to any movement, coughing, or sneezing
Nausea
Anorexia
Constipation, although about 10% of individuals will develop diarrhea
Mild fever in adults
Severe fever in children
Late Symptoms
Continuous, intense pain which has moved to the lower right abdomen over the appendix; location is variable depending upon the individual
Tightened abdominal muscles
Increased fever
Rectal tenderness, which may indicate diffuse peritonitis
Other Likely Symptoms
Dysuria
Abdominal discomfort
Bowel noises
Retractive respirations
Tachycardia
Clinical Symptoms
High white blood cell count
Reduced venous drainage
Thrombosis
Hemorrhage
Edema
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Multi Vitamin/Multi Mineral Formulas
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Beta-carotene | 5 - 10 mg | 2 - 5 mg |
| Fiber | 10 - 20 g | 5 - 10 g |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 - 25,000 IU | 5,000 - 10,000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 4,000 mg | 500 - 1,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800 IU | 200 - 400 IU |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
There are three prescribed nutritional regimes for appendicitis depending on whether the individual is in the acute, postoperative or convalescing stage of appendicitis.
During the acute stage, only intravenous fluids are administered. In preparation for surgery nothing is given orally.
Postoperative care dictates that the individual's attendant listen for intestinal sounds. Sounds can signal that peristalsis has resumed and the individual may begin a Full Liquid Diet.
After several days, the individual may possibly be a candidate for the Protein Enriched Diet or the Low Fiber Diet. High protein foods or protein supplements may be added to help in the replacement of nutrients lost during infection and surgery. After surgery, injury, or infection, there may be an increased production of white blood cells from fighting infection, with a proliferation of cells at the healing wound site. The major source of amino acids for production of these proteins comes from the breakdown of muscle. Extra protein in the diet could prevent some of the muscle wastage and loss of weight associated with recovery from surgery and infection.
Homeopathic Remedy
1.* Iris tenax - 15 to 30C
2.* Lachesis mutus tinct. - 30C
3.* Bacillinum - use 30C to 1M single dose, every other day for 3 doses - then stop unless relapse.
4.* Belladonna tinct. - 30C especially good where fever present
5.* Echinacea angustifolia - 30X to 30C - use with caution and not alone. Watch for suppuration.
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Cinchona (Peruvian Bark)
Echinacea Root (Echinacea augustifolia)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis)
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Once the digestive and immune systems have deteriorated to the point of appendicitis, surgery is the only option.
However, herbs may be useful in combating the accompanying fever and infection as well as restoring the immune system. Echinacea Root and Goldenseal Root are the most popular choices.
Cinchona has specific use against malaria but smaller doses can be used for any fever, infection and indigestion.
Garlic may be lacking in exotic appeal but it should not be underestimated as an antibiotic. It is also easily accessible for most people.
Cayenne and Ginger compresses may provide symptomatic relief.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Intestinal infections:
| Basil Essence, | Bergamot Essence, |
| Cinnamon Essence | (Red) Thyme Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Constipation
Diarrhea
Edema
Fever
Hemorrhage
Infection
Pain
Peritonitis
Thrombosis
References
Andersson R et al., Clusters of acute appendicitis: further evidence for an infectious aetiology. Int J Epidemiol, 1995 Aug, 24:4, 829-33.
Aouad,K. et al: Neurogenic appendicitis. Presse Med. 1994,23(20):940-2. [In French.]
Ayhan, A et al: Is routine appendectomy beneficial in the management of ovarian cancer?. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 1994 Oct; 57(1): 29-31.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Chasroff, I.J. & J.W. Ellis. 1983. Family Medical Guide, William Morrow and Company Inc., Pub. 594 pp.
Cuthbertson, D. P. 1964. Physical injury and it's effect on protein metabolism. Mammalian Protein Metabolism. Vol II. H. N. Munro & J. B. Allison, eds. Academic Press, N. Y.
Eldar S et al., The menstrual cycle and acute appendicitis. Eur J Surg, 1995 Dec, 161:12, 897-900.
Forssmann, K. & Singer, M.V.: Acute cholecystitis - conservative therapy. Schweiz-Rundsch. Med. Prax. 1994 Aug 9; 83(32): 877-9. [In German]
Gerst PH et al., Acute appendicitis in minority communities: an epidemiologic study. J Natl Med Assoc, 1997 Mar, 89:3, 168-72.
Ghebremeskel, M. & Crawford, M.A.: Nutrition and health in relation to food production and processing. Nutr. Health. 1994; 9(4): 237-53.
Guyton, A. C. 1976. Textbook Of Medical Physiology 5th ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1194 pp.
Hallan S et al., Estimating the probability of acute appendicitis using clinical criteria of a structured record sheet: the physician against the computer. Eur J Surg, 1997 Jun, 163:6, 427-32.
Hamilton, H. K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Heinerman, John, Ph.D. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
Jahn H et al., Comparison of clinical judgment and diagnostic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: experience with a score-aided diagnosis. Eur J Surg, 1997 Jun, 163:6, 433-43.
Jain KA et al., Imaging findings in patients with-right lower quadrant pain: alternative diagnoses to appendicitis. J Comput Assist Tomogr, 1997 Sep-Oct, 21:5, 693-8.
Kinney, J. M. & D. H. Elwyn. 1983. Protein metabolism and injury. Annual Review Of Nutrition, 3.
Kirsner, J.B. & R.G. Shorter. Recent Development in Non-Specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease. New England J. Of Medicine, 306 (1982).
McCahy,P.: Continuing fall in the incidence of acute appendicitis. Ann.R. Coll. Surg. Engl. 1994 Jul; 76(4): 282-3.
Natsuoka, Y., M. Sakuma & K. Kubota. Characteristics of Analgesia Induced by noncatecholic Phenylethylamine Derivatives. Japan Jnal Of Pharmacology, 34 (1984).
Walker AR & Segal I: Effects of transition on bowel diseases in sub-Saharan Africans. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1997 Feb, 9:2, 207-10.
Wyngaarden, J.B. & L.H. Smith. 1985. Cecil's Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 2341 pp.
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