Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that protrudes from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen, which has no known purpose.

A pain that typically is in the lower right abdomen that increases over a period of 6-12 hours to extreme severity is the initial symptom that most people experience with appendicitis.

Appendicitis most often strikes people between the ages of 10 and 30 but any person of any age can be affected and it is one of the most common reasons for emergency abdominal surgery in children.

The standard treatment for appendicitis involves surgical removal of the appendix, which leads to a quick recovery. However, if the appendix has ruptured, the surgery may be more complicated and the healing process will be prolonged.

With appendicitis, a variety of symptoms that may change over time can occur. In the early stages, the most common symptom is an aching pain around the lower right abdomen. As the inflammation within the appendix progresses, pain may become sharper and more severe because the inflammation spreads to nearby tissues, especially the inner lining (peritoneum) of your abdomen.

At some point, the pain tends to settle in the McBurney point, which is the lower right abdomen ¾ near your appendix. In some cases however, the pain location can vary. This is especially true in children.

In addition to pain the following signs and symptoms may occur:

• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• A low-grade fever that starts after other signs and symptoms appear
  
  
• Constipation
  
  
• An inability to pass gas
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Abdominal swelling

Experts still are not always sure why appendicitis occurs. Sometimes, it can be caused by an obstruction from food waste or a hard piece of stool becoming trapped in an orifice of the cavity that runs the length of the appendix.

Appendicitis can also precede an infection, such as a gastrointestinal viral infection, or it may result from inflammation of other types. Both cases involve a risk of bacteria subsequently invading rapidly which can cause the appendix to become inflamed and filled with pus. This can ultimately lead to a rupture in the appendix if not treated immediately.

The regimen outlined below includes some natural, safe steps one can take to treat & help prevent appendicitis.

• Eat a diet high in fiber.
  
  
• Eat massive quantities of green leafy vegetables.
  
  
• Avoid refined and fried foods.
  
  
• Limit intake of cooked animal proteins to one serving per day.
  
  
• If appendicitis is suspected, do not use laxatives and avoid using a heating pad.
  
  
• As always, stay away from pain relievers, as they may mask symptoms and complicate diagnosis.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Carotenoid Complex with Beta Carotene (25,000 IU daily) - Enhances immunity and protects against infection.

Coenzyme A (take as directed on label) - Aids the immune system’s detoxification of dangerous substances.

Liquid Chlorophyll (in water 3 times daily as directed on label) - Helps speed the cleansing of the bloodstream. I recommend using a high quality whole food supplement such as "Super Green Formula" by Garden of Life.

Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily) - Necessary for proper assimilation of all nutrients.

Vitamin C (1/4 tsp 3 times daily or as directed on label) - Helps detoxify the system and protects against infection.

Vitamin E (400 IU twice daily with meals) - Promotes healing.

Zinc (30 mg daily) - Strengthens the immune system and accelerates healing.

Alfalfa, Buckthorn and Slippery Elm - These herbs are soothing to the system.

Aloe Vera Juice - Helps reduce symptoms.

Echinacea (take as directed on label) - Relieves discomfort and enhances the immune system.

Belladonna and Bryonia (take as directed on label) - homeopathic remedies often used for an inflamed appendix with symptoms.