What is gangrenous appendicitis?

Have you heard about gangrenous appendicitis? What is it and how different is it from appendicitis? 

On "Pinoy MD," internist Dr. Rolando Balburias first explained what appendicitis is: It's the swelling of our appendix. 

"Ang appendix ay bahagi ng malaking bituka na naka-attach doon, ngunit it ay walang function," he added.

"Ang pinaka-common dahilan kung bakit ito namamaga is kung mababarahan 'yung koneksyong ng appendix dun sa malaking bituka."

Gangrenous appendicitis meanwhile is also known as third stage appendicitis. Balburias said, "Ibig sabihin nun meron ng infection."

He continued, "'Yung infection kasi or gangrenous or gangrene, sometimes, 'yun yung paraan ng ating immune system para masabi na meron ngang problema.

"Pag gangrenous na, malaki ang chance na eto ay pumutok. Pag pumutok na 'yung appendix, dahil sa sobrang pagmamamaga nito, maaari ito kumalat."

Doc advised, "Huwag natin i-suppress ito ng pain reliever, lalo na kung may sintomas ka na nagsusuka, o nawawala ng gana ng pagkain o maglalagnat ka na. That's the time na kailangan komunsulta ng sa doktor."

Other symptoms include dizziness and abdominal pain.

Usually, the operation to treat gangrenous appendicitis may be a laparoscopic appendectomy, which involves hospital confinement.

After surgery, it's important to rest and eat well to aid in recovery.

Balburias advised to eat food rich in vitamin A, B, D, zinc, and protein "para gumaling ng husto 'yung sugat mo dun sa operasyon."

Some time after the operation, the patient may also do some light exercise. It's best to consult with your doctor first. — LA, GMA Integrated News