Why appendicitis cases soar in Kerala during October and November? Renowned surgeon explains

Appendicitis, the condition which causes inflammation in your vestigial organ, the appendix, can happen out of the blue, without warning, in many people. The finger-shaped pouch mainly affects people aged 10 to 30, according to the Mayo Clinic, and, interestingly, it is more common in men than in women. A ruptured appendix can spread infection throughout the abdomen, and it can be a life-threatening condition, as well. In Kerala, the number of appendicitis cases apparently soars in the October-November season. Why so? Dr P John Mathew, senior consultant laparoscopic surgeon at Providence Hospital, Alappuzha and secretary of IMA, Cherthala, explains. 

Dr John says not to hesitate to seek medical treatment as soon as these symptoms appear. "Self-medication may be dangerous in such cases. An emergency surgery to remove the inflamed appendix may be required in most cases," he says. According to the Mayo Clinic, when a pregnant person experiences the condition, their pain point can be the upper portion of their belly, as the position of the appendix changes during pregnancy.