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Appendicitis Causes

Appendicitis: Causes


Top Causes

1. Cancer

Cancer of the colon or the region surrounding the appendix can lead to direct inflammation of the appendix and cause acute appendicitis.

2. Foreign body

More rarely, a foreign body that is hard and insoluble travels through the gastrointestinal tract and chances are that it may get blocked in the opening of the cecum leading to the appendix. This can cause severe pain and acute appendicitis.

3. Rupture of the appendix

Often the bacteria that invade the colon and mucosa of the intestine can cause rupture of the wall of the appendix which then results in acute appendicitis. This condition is very dangerous and can sometimes lead to fatal consequences.

4. Water borne Infection

Water is a potent source of bacterial or viral infection and can lead to many harmful infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, dysentery and acute appendicitis. Therefore, it is always advisable to drink boiled water.

5. Inflamed lymphatic tissue

At times, some of the lymphatic tissue within the appendix gets swollen and causes a blockage in the opening of the appendix. The lymphatic drainage from this area is hindered and leads to a blockage inside the appendix. This is a common cause for appendicitis.

6. Hardened stools

Sometimes stools do not get properly excreted and may become rock like and hardened. This can block the opening of the appendix leading to swelling of the appendix. This is termed as fecalith. This is one of the most common causes of appendicitis.

7. Infected wall of the appendix

The wall of the appendix is quite delicate and susceptible to bacterial infection from the fecal matter present in the colon. This can result in pain and swelling of the appendix. Sometimes you may have chronic appendicitis for a long time before it gets noticed.

8. Constipation

Long standing constipation may lead to improper clearance of the fecal matter. This can form a nucleus that can put pressure on the appendix. In course of time, the appendix can get inflamed and result in appendicitis.

9. Blockage of the appendix opening

Appendicitis often begins when the opening from the cecum to the appendix is blocked with some fecal material or mucus like substance. This leads to a gradual swelling of the appendix that can turn into acute appendicitis.

10. Viral infection

Viruses are also responsible for causing appendicitis. They make way into the appendix through the colon along with food and water, which result in either acute or chronic appendicitis. Many viruses are responsible for acute gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and acute appendicitis.

11. Bacterial infection

Infection of the appendix with some potent bacteria such as staphylococci can lead to pain and inflammation of the appendix. These bacteria form colonies inside the appendix leading to appendicitis. Bacterial infection is the commonest cause for acute appendicitis that affects nearly one in hundred people all over the world.

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