Epiploic Appendagitis - what is it?
Epiploic appendagitis is a rare, benign, self-limiting inflammation of the epiploic appendices. Self-limiting means that the condition has a limit on how bad it can get. Like a spring, the more you press it, the more it wants to return back. Self-limiting condition wants to get back to its normal (thus healthy) state. Epiploic appendagitis is not to be confused with appendicitis, which is a serious condition.
Epiploic appendices are
Symptoms
Symptoms of epiploic appendagitis are mild to severe lower abdominal pain. The pain can be in the lower, middle, or right abdominal area. This pain is sometimes described as sharp or stabbing. There is sometimes nausea and vomiting.
Because epiploic appendagitis is external to the colon, the pain may be very limited and isolated form bowel movement or passing gas. Some people reported feeling bloated. While the pressure of the bowel movement may press on the inflamed area and thus cause pain, it is very seldom to have secondary symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or fever. Abdominal pain in combination
Causes
Epiploic appendagitis appears to be solely caused by physical interference with epiploic appendages. This interference is in the form of torsion or tension. While the cause of this tension / torsion is unknown, the condition is self-limiting and thus not dangerous. The more the appendage is twisted or pulled, the more
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis is made by CAT scan or other imaging technique. It is very common for this condition to be misdiagnosed with appendicitis, diverticulitis, or cholecystitis. Misdiagnosis causes unnecessary hospitalization, antibiotic treatment or even surgery.
Treatments
Epiploic appendagitis does not require any medical intervention such as antibiotic treatment or surgery. The pain however can be quite severe and be treated with anesthetics (pain killers). The condition should improve between 4 to 14 days, but many patients saw significant improvement within 7 days. If the condition does not improve, and the pain persists, or a secondary symptom occurs, one should seek medical attention immediately as more serious condition may be present.