1
Q
what is appendicitis
A
inflammation of appendix
2
Q
what age group is appendicitis common in
A
10-20yrs
3
Q
what can cause appendicitis
A
pathogens can get trapped in the appendix if the opening to the rest of the colon is obstructed
this causes infection and inflammation leading to gangrene
appendix can rupture and cause peritonitis
obstruction by feocolith
4
Q
how does appendicitis present
A
periumbilical pain radiating to right iliac fossa tachycardia pyrexia tenderness anorexia nausea vomiting rebound + percussion tenderness indicates peritonitis
5
Q
what investigations could you do for appendicitis
A
bloods - FBC, U&E, CRP
pregnancy test - rule out ectopic pregnancy
US in females
CT confirms diagnosis
6
Q
how do you treat appendicitis
A
emergency admission and removal - appendicectomy
antibiotics
