The human body is a perfect self-regulating system that, under normal conditions, that is, without the presence of a disease, works like a Swiss watch. However, in some cases, the functioning of the body is disrupted, and therefore life-threatening conditions may occur. For example, the appendix, or appendix of the caecum, which makes a significant contribution to the immune defense, can become inflamed, in connection with which the so-called appendicitis occurs. This pathology will be discussed in this article. You will learn what appendicitis is and what preventive measures can help to avoid it.
Appendix functions
To figure out why the appendix becomes inflamed (appendicitis is a consequence of its inflammation), you need to learn about its structure and functions.
For a long time, the appendix was considered an atavism. Doctors believed that the organ would lose its digestive function and needed onlywhen the ancestors of man ate mainly plant foods, which the appendix helped to digest. The real functions of the appendix were discovered almost by accident. To prevent appendicitis in infants, they began to massively remove the process of the caecum. It was believed that this simple operation is very easily tolerated at an early age. However, the development of the unfortunate babies was very slow, they did not digest food well and often suffered from infectious diseases.
Anatomy and physiology
Thus, the appendix plays a huge role in immunity: the lymphatic tissue of this organ protects against inflammation. In addition, the appendix acts as a reservoir for intestinal microflora. If all the bacteria that inhabit the intestine die, then it will be populated by the "inhabitants" of the caecum.
The appendix is located on the back wall of the intestine. It has a cylindrical shape. The size of the process varies between 6-12 centimeters. What is appendicitis? This is an inflammation of this very appendix. Why is this happening? Can appendicitis be prevented? This will be discussed further.
Causes of disease
So what makes the appendix inflamed? Appendicitis can be caused by various reasons:
- Bacteria that are brought into the process from the focus of inflammation by the bloodstream.
- Obstruction of the mouth of the appendix with feces.
- The presence of helminths (ascaris or pinworms) in the body.
- Violation of the diet. It has been noted that the more fatty meat a person eats, the higher the likelihood of developing the disease.
- Anatomical features. In some people, the process has a number of bends, the presence of which leads to congestion.
- Clogged arteries that feed the appendix.
At risk are people who have bad habits, abuse tobacco and alcohol. The hereditary nature of the disease has also been proven. Of course, appendicitis itself is not inherited, but a predisposition to it.
Prevention
Appendicitis is a pathology from which you cannot completely protect yourself. However, there are simple recommendations that can minimize the likelihood of developing this disease:
- Do not start inflammatory processes in the body.
- Do not use antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Antibiotics are detrimental to normal microflora.
- Be active. Physical activity is important for the normal blood supply to the abdominal organs.
- Get your regular check-ups.
Proper nutrition is the best disease prevention
It is impossible to completely protect yourself from appendicitis. However, if you carefully monitor your diet, you can minimize the likelihood of developing this disease:
- Don't get constipated. Constipation causes the death of microorganisms that colonize the intestines. And inAs a result, pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply, which can cause inflammation of the appendix. To prevent constipation, drink a glass of warm water half an hour before meals: this will prepare the gastrointestinal tract for eating.
- Eat as many fiber-rich foods as possible. Fiber improves digestion and reliably protects the organs of the digestive system from inflammatory processes. A lot of fiber is found in whole grain bread, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Always eat protein with fiber-rich foods: this will facilitate the digestion of food and prevent putrefactive processes in the intestines.
- Drink plenty of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.
- Don't eat too many seeds and pitted berries. Sometimes pieces of undigested food get into the appendix. They injure the walls of the appendix, resulting in inflammation.
- Do not reuse frying oil. This is very unhe althy: you can "earn" not only appendicitis, but also colitis.
Gymnastics
Basic preventive measures for appendicitis also include daily morning abdominal exercises. It is very simple to do it: before getting out of bed, take a deep breath. As you exhale, draw in your stomach, trying to strain your abdominal muscles as much as possible. Count to five, relax your stomach and inhale. You need to repeat this exercise 10 times. Thus, you will improve intestinal motility and preparedigestive system for the first meal of the day.
Also, intestinal motility is improved by cycling and swimming, as well as walking and running. Women should pay attention to belly dancing: regular oriental dance classes help get rid of digestive problems.
Self-massage to improve peristalsis
Another way to prevent inflammation? Appendicitis can be avoided by gently massaging the abdomen after meals. This will improve the blood supply to the appendix. Massage is done as follows: lie on your back, relax your abs, bend your legs slightly. Place your right palm in the center of your abdomen and begin to make circular motions with your fingertips in a clockwise direction. Start with a small amplitude, gradually increasing it. You need to stroke the stomach for 3-4 minutes.
If you have not eaten at home and do not have the opportunity to lie down, just stroke your stomach after eating, moving your hand clockwise.
Prevention of appendicitis: folk remedies
If you want to avoid appendicitis, use the following recipes:
- Take 15 grams of white steppe root, fill the raw material with 150 ml of alcohol and infuse for a week in a dark place. As soon as you feel the first symptoms of digestive disorders, take a couple of drops of infusion every two hours. The product can be diluted with a little warm water.
- Take 100 grams of common cuff grass and 40 grams of strawberry and blackberry leaves. 4 canteensspoons of crushed leaves pour 750 ml of boiling water. The broth should simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. You need to drink the remedy one teaspoon every hour and a half.
Avoid Stress
Prevention of appendicitis will be effective if stress is avoided. Of course, inflammation of the appendix is not considered a psychosomatic illness. However, frequent stress can lead to poor digestion, and this, in turn, increases the risk of inflammation of the appendix. In addition, many people “eat” negative emotions, while choosing products that are far from the most he althy, for example, chocolate or fast food. It is advisable to learn how to cope with stress without the help of junk food, but in more constructive ways.
Psychologists who study the relationship between consciousness and he alth, for the prevention of appendicitis, recommends giving yourself time to rest and not worrying about trifles. It is very important to make regular time for yourself and your favorite activities.
These are the main measures provided by prevention. Appendicitis is an insidious disease that can start at any moment. Only people who have already removed the appendix are insured against it. If you experience abdominal pain, you should not panic: thanks to the development of modern medicine, the operation to remove appendicitis is considered one of the most sparing for the patient's body.
