6 Appendicitis Myths and Facts You Need to Know!

"Don't eat chili seeds, you'll get appendicitis." Have you heard the warning? Not only appendicitis, but other fruit seeds are also thought to cause appendicitis, such as watermelon seeds, grape seeds and other small fruit seeds. However, is that true?

Curious to know the facts? Lets get to know more about appendicitis and the various myths and facts here!

6 Appendicitis Myths and the Facts

There are many myths that people believe about health, one of which is about the appendix. The following are 6 myths including their facts:

1. Appendicitis is useless. In fact, many studies have begun to show that the appendix plays a role in improving the digestive system and also increasing the body's immunity.

2. Chili seeds and fruit seeds can cause appendicitis. In fact, inflammation of the appendix can occur due to obstruction due to hardened stool, thickening of the tissue, or tumors. There has been no research that shows that accumulation of chili seeds or other fruit seeds causes appendicitis.

3. Instant Noodles cause appendicitis. In fact, there is no research that shows this, the same as the previous point.

4. Pain in the lower right abdomen is definitely appendicitis. In fact, pain felt in the lower right abdomen is not always due to appendicitis, it can also be due to constipation, kidney infection, problems with female organs, malignancy, and other health problems.

5. Appendicitis requires surgery. In fact, when the inflammation is still quite mild, treatment can still be done through antibiotics according to the doctor's prescription. However, if the condition is already at risk, surgery must be performed to prevent complications that could be life-threatening.

6. Appendicitis only attacks adults. In fact, this disease can attack anyone regardless of age. It's just that it is quite common in adults.

Get to Know the Appendix and its Function

Each part of the body has its own function, such as the fingers for grasping, the lungs for the respiratory system, and the heart for pumping blood. However, what about the appendix? What exactly is the appendix and what is its function? 

The appendix is ​​a small part about 5 to 35 cm long and attached to the end of the large intestine. Its location is in the lower right part of the stomach. Previous biologists believed that the appendix was part of the evolution of ancient humans who were herbivores. The appendix functions to help the digestive system. However, over time and with many changes in human behavior and food choices, the function of the appendix has been lost and is considered a remnant of evolution.

However, various studies conducted in the modern era have actually found another important role for the appendix, namely that it can help improve the body's immune system. This is caused by the presence of lymphoid tissue in the appendix. Lymphoid tissue itself is the cells that form the lymphatic system, which is one of the main parts of the immune system.

Appendicitis Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Even though it has an important role, when this small organ becomes inflamed the impact can be very dangerous. Inflammation of the appendix can occur due to a blockage in the appendix which can cause this organ to burst if not treated quickly and appropriately.

• The cause of the blockage could be:

• Stool that hardens and gets stuck in the appendix.

• Swollen lymphoid tissue.

• Inflammatory bowel infection.

Inflammation of the appendix will cause several symptoms, including:

• Pain in the lower right abdomen that occurs occasionally or continuously.

• Fever.

• Bloated stomach.

• Constipation or sometimes diarrhea, and not being able to pass gas.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea and vomiting.

When a patient is diagnosed with appendicitis, they must immediately undergo treatment because this inflammation cannot heal by itself. If the condition is still mild, the doctor can still try to prescribe medication. However, in serious conditions, appendicitis inflammation must be treated through surgery.

If treatment is carried out by removing the appendix, then you are unlikely to experience appendicitis inflammation a second time. However, if this inflammatory condition is treated with medication and this organ is still present, this means that the possibility of appendicitis occurring again remains.

For those of you who experience the symptoms above, it's a good idea to immediately get checked out digestive surgeon specialist Of Premier Hospital Surabaya to get a diagnosis. The sooner this disease is treated, the smaller the risk of complications occurring.

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