The appendix is believed to be a vestigial organ in human body. It’s a thin tube about four inches long It sits at the junction of the small intestine and large intestine. Normally, the appendix sits in the lower right abdomen.
The function of the appendix is unknown. Surgical removal of the appendix causes no observable health problems.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is a common problem where the lumen of the appendix gets inflamed and is narrowedby swelling of lymphoid tissue in its wall or by stricture from previous inflammation. Obstruction is made complete by impaction of a faecolith causing gangrene, perforation and a local abscess or generalized peritonitis.Another outcome is the formation of an oedematous inflammatory appendix mass.1
Clinical features:
- The classical history is the sudden onset of vague central abdominal pain followed within a few hours by a shift of the pain to the lower right side of one’s abdomen (right iliac fossa) where it becomes localized (one third of the distance along a line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus).
- Thereis nausea and malaise.
- There may be vomiting but this is seldom severe and is often absent.
- The pulse rate is increased. In the early stages there is little elevation of temperature and the occurrence of rigors and a high fever make the diagnosis of appendicitis unlikely.
On examination:
- There is tenderness and guarding in the right iliac fossa progressing to rigidity as peritonitis develops.
- Rectal examination may disclose tenderness in the right side of the pelvis.1
The ‘classical’ history and findings occur in less than 50% of patients. Because of variations in its anatomical position the inflamed appendix may simulate other diseases of the abdomen. The patient may present with diarrhea or with urinary or gynaecological symptoms and other causes of acute abdomen may be mimicked.1
Differential Diagnosis:
- Acute mesenteric adenitis
- Terminal ileitis- yersinia infection
- Crohn’s disease
- Meckel’s diverticulum
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Salpingitis or ovarian disease
- Perinephric abscess or acute cholecystitis when the appendix is retro caecal1
Management:
The diseased appendix should be removed as early in the acute stage as possible. Even in the absence of obvious peritonitis the acutely ill patient should receive intra-operative care and treatment. Aconservative policy is acceptable only when a clearly defined appendix mass is present without generalized abdominal signs. Once the mass has subsided, probably within 2 or 3 weeks, the appendix should be removed.1
Homoeopathy has a limited role in Appendicitisbut cases where one cannot conduct surgery due to unavoidable reasons or where there is subacute appendicitis homeopathic medicines can be used for reducing the inflammation and pain. Medicines should be strictly used in consultation with your physician and homeopathic practitioner, keeping both into confidence.
Medicines based on symptoms:
Belladonna
In the early stages of this affection where there is severe pain in the ileo-caecal region, where the slightest touch cannot be borne, worse from jar, motion of bed or turning of body, and patient lies on back, this remedy will be found most useful.2
Ferrumphosphoricum
Ferrumphosphoricum and Kali muriaticum have proved themselves clinically in inflammation about the ileocaecal region and their indications rest on clinical grounds only.2
Kalium muriaticum
Ferrumphosphoricum and Kali muriaticum have proved themselves clinically in inflammation about the ileocaecal region and their indications rest on clinical grounds only.2
Bryonia alba
As in all inflammations about serous membranes, Bryonia will here find a place. It has throbbing and sharp stitching pains confined to a limited spot and the patient is constipated. The ileo-caecal region is very sore and sensitive to touch. Any movement is painful and the patient lies perfectly still and on the painful side. The febrile disturbance of the drug will be present.2
Arsenicum album
When the condition points to sepsis Arsenicum may be the remedy. There are chills, hectic symptoms, diarrhoea and restlessness, and sudden sinking of strength. It relieves vomiting in these conditions more quickly than any other remedy.2
Rhustoxicodendron
This remedy, with its great correspondence to septic troubles, may be required, and may be indicated by its peculiar symptoms; locally, too, it has extensive swelling over the ileo- caecal region and great pain, causing an incessant restlessness. Dr. Cartier, of Paris, recommends Rhus radicans 6. in appendicitis of influenzal origin at the onset.2
Lachesis muta
This also a valuable remedy; its great characteristics of sensitiveness all over the abdomen, and stitching from the seat of the inflammation backward and downward to the thighs, will indicate it in this disease. The patient lies on the back with knees drawn up, and other general Lachesis symptoms present.2
Plumbummetallicum
Plumbum has a tense swelling in the ileo-caecal region, painful to touch and on movement; the abdominal walls are retracted, there are eructations of gas and vomiting and both have a faecal odor.2
References:
- Ralston S.H., Penman I.D., Strachan M.W.J., Hobson R.P. Davidson’s, Principles and Practice of Medicine. 17thed. Edinburgh; New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1995. 1203p.
- Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.; 2011