1. Can we live without an appendix? The appendix was always thought to be a redu

Question

1. Can we live without an appendix? The appendix was always thought to be a redundant organ. However recent research seems to show that the appendix is anything but a redundant organ. Discuss this concept. List the signs/symptoms of appendicitis and the treatment of appendicitis.

2. What does GERD stand for? List the signs and symptoms of this disease. List the various treatment measures that can be taken and the lifestyle changes that can assist in reducing GERD. What diagnostic procedure will aid in the diagnosis of GERD?

Explanation / Answer

1.Yes we can live without appendix .

it has been recently reported that the appendix may actually serve a useful purpose in the body. In January, a study from an Arizona college of osteopathic medicine showed that the appendix is a reservoir for good gut bacteria. “During times of gastrointestinal distress, when all of the good gut bacteria gets flushed out of the system, the appendix serves as kind of a little safe house [for good gut bacteria].

APPENDICITIS.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a 3 -4 inch long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine.Its a medical emergency that almost always requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix.

Cause of APPENDICITIS.

it occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, or by foreign body, or by cancer. Blockage may also be due to infection .

SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS.

pain around the bellybutton

lower right side abdominal pain

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

constipation

inability to pass gas

abdominal swelling

low-grade fever

TREATMENT FOR APPENDICITIS.

Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. Before surgery you may be given a dose of antibiotics to prevent infection.Removing or surgery of appendix is called as appendectomy.

2.GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. The liquid can burn and damage the lining called as esophagitis.The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach.

SYMPTOMS OF GERD

1.HEARTBURN, usually after eating, which might be worse at night.

2.Chest pain

3.Difficulty swallowing

4.Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

5.Feeling / Sensation of a lump in your throat.

Lifestyle changes that assist in reducing GERD.

Here are few lifestyle changes that are helpful .

1.Don't go to bed with full stomach.

2.Eat slowly, don't overeat.

3.Abstain from heart burn triggers like onions, caffeine , chocolates. peppermint, tomato , faty and spicy foods .

4.Avoid alcohol

5.stop smoking .

Lifestyle modifications is a preferred treatment for the GERD .some other options include

1.Use of Antacids that neutralize acidity of stomach .

2.Medications to reduce acid production.Known as H2 receptors blockers like Tegamet HB, ranitidine , fomotidine. etc.

3.Medications that block acid production as well as heal esophagus. These are called as proton pump inhabitors.these include lensoprazole, omeprazole, zegerid etc.

surgery like fundoplication etc if medications doesnot work.

Thanks

Diagnosis of GERD.

Three main tests used when GERD is suspected or diagnosed are esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy and manometry.

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