The appendix has no function in the body, but this small organ located between the colon and the belly can cause some immediate danger if it becomes inflamed. While the symptoms may seem like common knowledge – sharp and extreme belly pain with nausea, they often present themselves in a slightly different manner when the person experiencing appendicitis is older and a woman. Knowing these symptoms can help you get your loved one to the hospital before the appendix bursts and puts her in grave danger. Returning from the hospital can be made easier if home care service providers have been arranged ahead of time.
Common Causes of Appendicitis
Because of where the appendix is located and the fact that it’s fairly small, it can easily become infected or clogged. This may lead to it becoming swollen and clogged. If it is not immediately removed, it may burst and lead to sepsis or other serious health consequences.
While it’s not always known why the appendix has become inflamed, some health conditions that increase the risk of developing appendicitis include colitis, appendix stones, lymphoid hyperplasia, and cystic fibrosis. While it is not a hereditary disease, it is more likely for someone to get it if another person in their family has had it.
Appendicitis Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, the tell-tale signs of someone having an appendix attack are sharp belly pain and nausea but for many elderly individuals, the symptoms may present differently. Or the classic symptoms may get mistaken for other health issues they’re already dealing with, causing them to ignore the initial symptoms.
Additional symptoms to look for when suspecting appendicitis:
Generally feel awful. She may feel like she has the flu and feels very run down and has no energy.
A fever. The immune system is battling an infection and that leads to a fever.
A swollen belly. This could indicate that the appendix is ruptured, and your loved one should seek immediate medical assistance.
A need to urinate often. If the appendicitis is irritating the nerves connected to the bladder, your loved one may feel that she needs to urinate a lot.
An inability to have a bowel movement. The bowels may stop working as the body redirects blood flow from the bowel to the appendix. Your elderly loved one may develop constipation and feel full of gas that she’s unable to pass it. That pressure may become quite uncomfortable.
Diarrhea. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some people who have appendicitis develop overactive bowels. The inflammation from the appendix begins to irritate the end part of the colon and the person begins to have loose bowel movements.
Home Care Help After an Appendectomy
The recovery period for an appendectomy is usually fairly short, but it’s still a recovery period where your loved one will need some help around the home. She will not be able to lift heavy objects for several weeks and may find herself weak and tired as her body recovers from the surgery. If your loved one lives alone and far from family who can step in, having a home care provider help her with chores around the home can ensure she doesn’t overdo it during her recovery. Driving might also be restricted for a while, so having transportation help from a home care team can help ensure she can get to needed appointments and pick up prescriptions and groceries as needed.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Pompano Beach FL, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926.
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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