What causes appendicitis?

I believe everyone has heard of appendicitis! There is not only one cause of appendicitis. For example, some external infections, or gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as diarrhea and constipation can also cause spasms in the appendix muscles and blood vessels, thereby inducing appendicitis.

(1) Obstruction

The obstructed appendix is ​​a long and thin tube that is connected to the cecum at only one end. Once obstructed, secretions may accumulate in the lumen, increasing the internal pressure and compressing the appendix wall, hindering distal blood supply. On this basis, bacteria in the lumen invade the damaged mucosa and easily cause infection. Obstruction is a common underlying factor in the development of acute appendicitis.

(2) Infection

The main factor is direct infection caused by bacteria in the appendix cavity. Because the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum, it has the same bacterial species and numbers as those in the cecum cavity, mainly Escherichia coli and anaerobic bacteria. If the appendix mucosa is slightly damaged, bacteria will invade the wall of the tube and cause infection of varying degrees.

(3) Others

Other factors believed to be related to the onset of the disease include visceral nerve reflexes caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction such as diarrhea and constipation, which lead to spasms of the appendix muscles and blood vessels. Once the normal intensity is exceeded, it can cause stenosis of the appendix lumen, obstruction of blood supply, damage to the mucosa, and bacterial invasion, leading to acute inflammation. In addition, the incidence of acute appendicitis is related to factors such as eating habits, constipation and genetics.