Why do we vomit when we have appendicitis?

  • Medical
  • Thread starter JordanN
  • Start date
In summary, the appendix may vomit due to the non-specific immune response of fever, headache, malaise, etc., and the fact that it is innervated by the enteric nervous system.
  • #1
JordanN
5
0
Hello Physics Forum. Long time lurker, I've decided to make an account for myself to participated in such an awesome community.

Now, my question is, why do humans vomit when the appendix gets infected? Does the bacteria that invades the deteriorating gut wall really travel far up the intestines and through the pyloric sphincter? Also, how come food doesn't easily get stuck in appendix opening (since the way it's shape looks like anything could get lodged in there)?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Vomiting is a non-specific protective reflex. It is controlled by a region of medulla which is outside the blood-brain barrier, so can be the target of long range signals like hormones. When you are having GI problems, like infections, part of the immune response is the release of hormones and chemokines. Which starts non-specific immune functions, like recruiting neutrophils and monocytes.

One of those non-specific responses is to target the receptive area in the medulla which causes nausea and then vomiting.

Think about it from an evolutionary stand point. If you filled your belly up with bad food, that could potentially be causing problems, it would be beneficial to your survival to eject said food, rather than retain it and continue absorption of any toxins it may contain.Actually, most of the symptoms you get "from being sick", are really non-specific immune responses from your immune system. Things like fever, headache, malaise, aches, hot/cold flashes, etc.
 
  • #3
I think its a pain reaction. http://www.abdopain.com/symptoms-of-appendicitis.html
"They may actually vomit. It is important to note that vomiting in appendicitis usually follows the pain. If you vomit before the pain commenced, it is not likely that the appendix is to blame."
 
  • #4
Visceral pain is unique and often debilitating due to its intensity, or nauseating due to the pain. There is nothing about the appendix itself, or the infection (in an un-ruptured appendix) that would DIRECTLY cause vomiting.

Also, welcome to PF JordanN.
 
  • #5
nismaratwork said:
Visceral pain is unique and often debilitating due to its intensity, or nauseating due to the pain.

This is true and I think probably has a great deal to due with "referred pain", the misfortune that our brains don't have a dermatome map for general visceral afferent (GVA) nerves as it does for general somatic afferent (GSA) nerves. And also because we are unlucky enough returning synapses to be shared by GSA and GVA neurons (consequently why your left arm hurts during a heart attack!)

nismaratwork said:
There is nothing about the appendix itself, or the infection (in an un-ruptured appendix) that would DIRECTLY cause vomiting.

Also, welcome to PF JordanN.

That part I can't agree with. The 4th cerebral ventricle or "vomit center" receives input from various locals of the body. One of these inputs is from enteric nervous system. The appendix directly gets innervation from superior mesenteric plexus. Irritant or pain stimulus to any of the enteric plexuses can induce the vomit reflex.

Another input in via chemical receptor, which the 4 CV is packed full of. People with appendicitis have infection and inflammation, resulting in increased white cell counts. Of particular interest would be the granular leukocytes and mast cells (which may or may not arise from granular leukocyte lineage, I don't think anyone knows for sure at the moment), which would all be capable of releasing long rang signals and elevated counts often are associated with nausea.
 
  • #6
bobze said:
This is true and I think probably has a great deal to due with "referred pain", the misfortune that our brains don't have a dermatome map for general visceral afferent (GVA) nerves as it does for general somatic afferent (GSA) nerves. And also because we are unlucky enough returning synapses to be shared by GSA and GVA neurons (consequently why your left arm hurts during a heart attack!)



That part I can't agree with. The 4th cerebral ventricle or "vomit center" receives input from various locals of the body. One of these inputs is from enteric nervous system. The appendix directly gets innervation from superior mesenteric plexus. Irritant or pain stimulus to any of the enteric plexuses can induce the vomit reflex.

Another input in via chemical receptor, which the 4 CV is packed full of. People with appendicitis have infection and inflammation, resulting in increased white cell counts. Of particular interest would be the granular leukocytes and mast cells (which may or may not arise from granular leukocyte lineage, I don't think anyone knows for sure at the moment), which would all be capable of releasing long rang signals and elevated counts often are associated with nausea.

I should be clear, the PAIN can directly induce nausea, I mean that there is no means by which the appendix returns its contents via the almighty "tract"... directly... if you catch my drift. The question earlier concerned the notion that infection somehow made its way back into or the near the stomach, this is the 'direct' I referred to.
 
  • #7
nismaratwork said:
I should be clear, the PAIN can directly induce nausea, I mean that there is no means by which the appendix returns its contents via the almighty "tract"... directly... if you catch my drift. The question earlier concerned the notion that infection somehow made its way back into or the near the stomach, this is the 'direct' I referred to.

Got you :smile: And I agree with that, when I wrote that I was pretty tired so the fault was probably mine in not comprehending what you were saying :tongue:
 
  • #8
bobze said:
Got you :smile: And I agree with that, when I wrote that I was pretty tired so the fault was probably mine in not comprehending what you were saying :tongue:

Oh, having been there and done that myself, no sweat. I did say "direct" after all, and that was fairly unclear.
 

1. What exactly is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition in which the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. It is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.

2. Why do we vomit when we have appendicitis?

Vomiting is a common symptom of appendicitis and is caused by the inflammation of the appendix. The inflammation can irritate the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting.

3. Is vomiting a reliable sign of appendicitis?

Vomiting is a common symptom of appendicitis, but it is not always present. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fever may also be present. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

4. Can vomiting be a sign of other conditions besides appendicitis?

Yes, vomiting can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including food poisoning, stomach flu, and gastroenteritis. It is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you experience persistent vomiting.

5. Is there any way to prevent vomiting when experiencing appendicitis?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent vomiting when experiencing appendicitis. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications and receive appropriate treatment.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
2K
Writing: Input Wanted Is it useful to have 2 stomachs?
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
1
Views
520
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
826
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top