Appendicitis A Medical Perspective Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Appendicitis A Medical Perspective - Case Study Example Despite the belief that appendicitis is a disease that contains minimal health risk, it may still require extensive knowledge for a better medical management of such condition. The definite source for appendicitis is never truly established. Appendix, as mentioned earlier, is an appendage of the colon with no specific function. Contrary to this point, some literature asserts that the appendix is a pouch-like portion that serves as an immune function in young adults--protecting the body against invading microorganisms (Balch 2006, 207). Such theory lends little credit as to why this area is commonly infected itself. With its hollow shape, many believe that in the process of waste disposal, fecal products may fill the space in the appendix and when trapped, disrupts its natural function (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). The disruption causes it to swell and be pus-filled as an effort to dispel the unwanted contents. On the other hand, the source of infection may come from foreign viral invasion in the alimentary canal (Lewis 2007). Viral infection stimulates the body’s defense, prompting antibodies in the scene in order to flush out viral microorganisms. This consequently results in inflammation, hence, appendicitis. Detection of appendicitis is not as easy as it sounds. Ample knowledge and experience by the medical staff are necessary for accurate clinical diagnosis. The classic physical diagnostic parameters to determine appendicitis are the following: â€Å"pain, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity ... (on) the appendix, and fever† (Hecht 2004, 30). However, such signs and symptoms are also common among other abdominal diseases. Hence, further diagnostic measures should be employed in accurately identifying appendicitis. An article clearly illustrated several methods of assessing the pain elicited with several movements.