Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a 3 1/2 inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. Unlike the acute form, appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate action and surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. If left untreated, the appendix will eventually burst or perforate and spill infectious material into the abdominal cavity.
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. With appendicits, the causes are variable and include lifestyle and environmental factors. A detailed assessment is required to determine which factors are contributing to appendicitis.
Lifestyle
Social
Environmental
- Pollution
- High pollution levels have been found to be linked to higher incidences of appendicitis.
External
- A stomach infection can travel to the appendix and cause inflammation.
Medical Interventions
Physiology
- Obstruction
- A hard piece of stool can get trapped in the appendix. The bacteria in the stool can then cause an infection in the appendix.
Diagnostic Testing
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Due to the interrelatedness of the body it is common for the disharmony to be expressed in other ways such as:
Characteristics
Appendicitis is characterized by cramping and intermittent diffuse central, periumbilical, or epigastric abdominal pain that usually lasts several hours, followed by brief cessation of pain. The pain may then migrate to a constant localized area in the right lower quadrant, known as McBurney`s point.
Common Symptoms
- Progressively worsening pain
- Pain with coughing or sneezing
- Vomitting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Inability to pass gas
- Fever
- Constipation
- Loss of appetites
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. ________ is typically a chronic disease _____________________.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.
Home Care
Home Care strategies include:
Lifestyle
Lifestyle recommendations include:
- Dietary recommendations
- Water. Ensure you drink adequate water.
- Exercise
- Posture
- Breathing
- Sleep
- Rest and Relaxation
- Hygiene
Naturopathic Therapies
The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.
Naturopathic Therapies for ______________ include:
- Clinical Nutritional Supplementation includes
- Vitamins
- Minerals such as
- Amino Acids such as
- Other supplements such as
- Herbs such as
Specialized Naturopathic Therapies
Specialized therapies that are used to treat ________ include:
