What Causes Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes blocked most often by faecal matter (stool), a foreign body or in some cases
cancer. An infection in the body may also result in
appendicitis in that the appendix may swell in response to the infection.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
The symptoms of appendicitis include the following:-
- Usually the first sign of appendicitis is the dull pain near the the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is the major sign.
- Loss of appetite is another sign.
- There is also usually nausea with or without vomiting soon after the abdominal pains begin.
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever
- Severe cramps
- Pain when passing urine
- Constipation
If you have the first symptom above even though you may not have the rest of the symptoms, you need to see your doctor immediately for examination.
What is its Function? Is the Appendix important?
The structure of the appendix is ideal for its function. It is a pouch lined by lymphatic tissue. Lymphocytes are involved in the immune system of the body, and are especially active in destroying cancer cells and producing antibodies.
The entire function of the appendix is not completely understood yet, but it is certain that it is not a vestigial organ as was once thought. The appendix is precisely placed to contact a large number of germs which normally inhabit the colon. It is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, attached to the cecum, the first part of the large bowel. Lymphocytes sense the germs present there and produce certain substances for the blood that give a contact resistance against the germs, including enteric viruses that may cause cancer. Thus, it can be readily appreciated that the position and structure of the appendix is perfect for the job it must perform, that of becoming acquainted with germs and “learning” how to protect the body against them.
Persons who die of
cancer, especially lymphoma, leukemia,
cancer of the
colon, breast, or ovary are two times more likely to have had an appendectomy. With these statistics, it becomes desirable to guard against unnecessary loss of the appendix. Of course, if one has the life-threatening disease appendicitis, it is essential to remove the appendix. But, if a surgeon operates for appendicitis, and finds the appendix not inflamed, it is felt by many that he should leave the appendix in place, or if the abdomen is opened for gallbladder operation, a hysterectomy, or some other surgical condition, the appendix should not be removed incidentally as was once the custom
How Can One Treat Appendicitis?
1. Water Treatments:
A
hot foot bath will help to relieve congestion in the appendix will help to relieve congestion in the appendix. If done in the early stages of appendicitis with prompt and vigorous treatment the inflammation will subside and the appendix heal itself.
It may be desirable to use a hot hip and leg pack with an ice bag over the appendix. The physiological action of the ice bag or the hot water bottle is about the same. Both cause redness of the skin, but either heat or cold is, to a certain extent, dissipated by the blood stream and does not penetrate far beneath the surface. For most people there is more relief of pain in acute appendicitis from the use of the ice bag than from a hot water bottle. Use the ice bag an hour on and fifteen minutes off. During these fifteen minutes hot fomentations may be used to good advantage.
Charcoal as a poultice, with hops or smartweed, is effective both to relieve pain and to dispel inflammation
Dr Schulze Remedies For Appendicitis
The first step would be the
Dr Schulze Intestinal Formula #1, then high enemas, castor oil packs and hot cold compresses which could be combined with the castor oil over the appendix and colon areas. Then as usual
juice fasting. This means no hard food except juices both fruit and vegetable juices. As much as 3-4 quarts or more per day is recommended. The
Dr Shulze Nerve formula and
Lobelia can be helpful to deal with pain and spasm. For more details you can purchase Dr Richard Schulze's book, '
There are no Incurable Diseases which explains the procedures for treating diseases that the doctors say are incurable.
How can one prevent appendicitis?
First and foremost is the type of diet. A diet low in fiber and high in dairy products, meat, refined grains, and sugar is most likely to set up a condition in the appendix that will result eventually in
appendicitis. Take instead a diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as the principle dietary, using all other foods sparingly. Several studies have suggested that
vegetarians are practically immune to appendicitis. Further, it occurs more in tense individuals, especially if they take a diet high in refined sugars, grains and fats.
