Appendicitis

The appendix is a thin tube-shaped structure that protrudes from a section of the large intestine. It may become inflamed at times and this is medically called as appendicitis, it has to be surgically removed. Either an abdominal blockage or a particulate inclusion or hardened faeces cause the inflammation. There is a danger of the contents of the intestine bursting out into the coelom as the inflammation can rapidly develop into an infection and the danger of it bursting increases. It therefore has to be immediately removed.

Pain is usually the first symptoms of appendicitis and the pain starts around the umbilicus and spreads over several hours to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, where it becomes acute and unbearable. The affected person will usually double over and even a slight touch on the abdomen is painful. The other symptoms that accompany the onset of appendicitis are a decreased in the appetite, sudden vomiting, and a mild to moderate fever . Diarrhea may set in, and even minor movements may cause pain, especially extending the right foot.

The danger with an inflamed appendix is in its bursting and this may cause an infection of the abdominal wall internally which could be lethal to the person if left untreated. The presence of a severe abdominal pain in the patient will tell you that the appendix has burst and the person will be very ill, will have fever and will be pale all over. Some patients may not always respond to the onset of appendicitis in this way and some people and usually children may not have sudden attack of abdominal pain, but may complain instead of a mild pain that comes and goes over a period of days increasing in the severity of the pain. At this stage you should seek medical advice because, it may very well turn out to be appendicitis.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

Since the only safe treatment of appendicitis is removal and surgical excision of the appendix, the only herbal supplements are directed to the recovery phase after surgery. Herbal treatment cannot act alone or be substituted for what surgery is, if you suspect appendicitis in your child or yourself it is advisable to contact a qualified doctor immediately. This is the time table or the regimen to be followed for you to get the patient or your child well on the road to recovery.

Days 1-3: A combination of Echinacea and goldenseal to act as a detoxificant and in ridding the body of the chemicals from the anesthetics used during surgery. Echinacea and goldenseal in the same combination are helpful to the immune system and can act in the prevention of infection in the wound. The daily dose for children and adults is one to two teaspoons, twice or thrice daily.
Days 4-7: As a supplement the herb astragalus -Astragalus membranaceous- thrice daily is a good dose for children. It has a rich combination of minerals and is also abundant in micronutrients, aiding greatly in bolstering immune function. This herb is not to be used with children who have fever while recovering. However, Echinacea and goldenseal can be used together until the fever has subsided, after which astragalus can be used as a supplement. These herbs Echinacea and goldenseal should not be used over ten days as there effectiveness decreases with constant usage.
Days 8-14: At this stage the supplement should be a dose of American ginseng, thrice daily. This herb is good in strengthening the immune system and is also an excellent source of trace minerals and micronutrients, and will greatly speed immune function and the body’s recovery. This herb cannot be used when there is a fever present and if a fever has been always there during the recovery phase.
Days 15-21: At this stage children: two doses of nettle or as a substitute gotu kola can be used once a day. These herbs help in tissue repair, because they are rich in minerals and micronutrients and are considered very good general tonics in the treatment of all surgery patients, both this herbs are not suitable for use as supplements with children below four years of age, as the herbs can easily upset children’s stomachs. The herb must be discontinued immediately as a supplement should these symptoms occur.
Days 21-35: At this final stage a use of minor bupleurum formula, should be given two times a day. This Chinese herbal concoction helps in the recovery of strength in the body, and in boosting resistance to infection; it is however not advised for children who have fever or other signs of persistent infection while they recover from surgery.

To minimize scarring once recovery is complete and medical discharge is obtained vitamin E oil, castor oil, or evening primrose oil can be rubbed on to prevent scarring and in minimizing scar tissue formation.

Comments