Cause 2: Gastrointestinal Infections
Diving into gastrointestinal infections, these are more than just a stomach upset. They have the potential to incite a cascade of problems, with appendicitis being one of them. Such infections can cause the lymphoid tissues in the gastrointestinal tract to swell. These swollen tissues, particularly the lymph nodes, can then create a blockage in the appendiceal lumen, leading to appendicitis.
One might wonder how an infection in one part of the body can influence another seemingly unrelated part. The body’s interconnectedness means that an ailment in one area can sometimes have repercussions elsewhere. In this case, the inflammation caused by the infection can lead to enlarged lymph nodes, creating a blockage.
Furthermore, the bacteria responsible for these infections can also play a role. Some bacterial strains that cause gastrointestinal infections can migrate and multiply within the appendix. As their numbers grow, so does the risk of inflammation and, consequently, appendicitis. (2)
