Grumbling appendix is a term used decades ago for chronic appendicitis. Appendix is thin finger like organ extending from the cecum; the first part of large intestine. In humans appendix has no functional role to play. However, inflammation of appendix can cause serious health problems. The organ is located in right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Grumbling appendicitis is characterized by mild pain in right lower side of abdomen and around the belly button. The condition is caused due to bacterial infection and partly due to blockage caused by fecal material. Grumbling appendix is a recurrent medical problem.
Acute appendicitis as well as chronic appendicitis have common causative factor. Both occur due to infection and partially blocked passage of the appendix. Inflammation of appendix occurs due to infection, but the intensity may vary.
While acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency, chronic appendicitis can be managed conservatively with medication in most cases, if it does not reach the stage of acute appendicitis. However, due to the recurrence sometime or the other it has to be removed surgically, either as a planned surgery procedure or an emergency surgery treatment when it turns into acute appendicitis.
Symptoms Of Grumbling Appendix
The symptoms of grumbling appendicitis are not as obvious as those found in acute appendicitis. Pain is gradual in onset. It develops slowly over a period of time. The pain usually begins around the umbilicus and slowly migrates to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Patient may complain of nausea and sometime few bouts of vomiting. But occasionally both these symptoms may be absent. Pain may recede after few hours or days only to appear after weeks or months. Sometimes it may recur within short period of time of few hours. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, upset stomach, pain on bending or while performing exercise.
Diagnosis Of Grumbling Appendix
Patient usually pin points the exact area of pain with his finger. This area usually lies between the umbilicus and upper end of right pelvic bone. It is called Mcburney’s point. Examination begins by pressing the right side of abdomen and gradually pressing at the Mcburney’s point.
While removing the hand from the abdomen after pressing, patient may have tenderness and pain. This is suggestive of appendicitis. Barium X-ray of cecum and appendix, CT scan and ultrasound also help in diagnosing chronic appendicitis. Simple blood test and urine analysis are also important for diagnosis.
Treatment Options For Grumbling Appendix
If the diagnosis is confirmed to be grumbling appendicitis, the doctor usually begins treatment with antibiotics and anti amoebic medicines. Both help to kill the infective germs and reduce inflammation. Sometimes, depending on the severity, doctors may recommend intravenous antibiotics for few days and later on shift to oral antibiotics.
During this conservative treatment, patient has to eat semi solid food and more of liquid diet for few days. If the condition culminates to acute appendicitis, it becomes a surgical emergency.
Aside from conservative treatment for grumbling appendicitis, surgical removal is also recommended by doctors. As patient will not have recurrent pain as well as the risk of acute appendicitis that may occur in future.