Why are we researching this? 

Our science fair project is first inspired by our (and people we know)  personal experiences regarding to stomach aches. 

For example: Rachel had suffered a terrible stomach ache one day at the Calgary Zoo, (which later came back as Appendicitis) and Zoe’s cousin in China have also been diagnosed with Appendicitis. 

We wanted to know more about diseases with symptoms of stomach aches and their similarities and differences. 

 

We followed these categories to ensure that our research is as detailed, throughout, and informative as possible. 

Basic Information: - This category provides a simple overview of the disease, including a straightforward explanation of the main, most common cause. It can also include descriptions of different types of that particular disease. (For example, Chronic VS Acute Appendicitis, or Calculous VS Acalculous Cholecystitis)

Symptoms: - This category lists out the typical symptoms of that disease in an easy way to read.

Causes: - This category lists out the cause of the disease, and how it can be caused.

Further Complications: - This category lists out the possible suther complications that a patient might experience through this disease.

Location of Pain: - This category describes the general location of the stomach ache for that disease.

Imaging: - This category includes images that better help visualize what is going on in your body while having this disease.

Death Rate: - This category spells out the death rate of this disease.

Surgery: - This category lists out what possible surgeries can be done for this disease.

Medication: - This category lists out the medications that are typically given, and their specific means of usage. 

Diagnosis: - This category lists out the different types of tests that need to be runned in order to determine this disease.

 

Appendicitis

Basic Information:

Chronic Appendicitis

Chronic appendicitis’ symptoms are mild and last for a longer time. They usually appear and reappear. It can be untreated and undiagnosed for several weeks, months and years. 

Acute Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis’ symptoms are much more severe than chronic appendicitis. The symptoms will appear within 24-48 hours and must be treated immediately.

Symptoms:

1. The right side of the lower abdomen experiences immediate pain
2. Immediate pain that begins around the navel* and often shifts to the lower right abdomen  (Most common for people)
3. Pain that worsens with coughing, walking or making other jarring movements
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Loss of appetite
6. Low-grade fever that may rise as the illness worsens (a body temperature of over 36~37 Celsius or 97.6~99.6 Fahrenheit, weakness and fatigueness, chills, sweating) 
7. Constipation or diarrhea
8. Abdominal bloating
9. Flatulence (Passing gas :D )

Occurs between the age of 10 - 30.

* Casual definition: Belly button

   Clinical definition: Umbilicus

Causes:

1. A blockage in the lining of the appendix* is usually the cause of appendicitis. 

• This blockage can cause an infection. 
• The bacteria then multiply quickly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. 
• If not treated right away, the appendix can break open.

2. Your own unhealthy habits/behaviors such as:

• Consuming something that is foreign to your digestive system
• Not having bowel movements (Not including vomiting)

Infections of virus, bacteria, parasites can cause the blockage and the infection.

* 

Further Complications

A ruptured appendix

• Spread infection
• Peritonitis
• Life threatening
• Needs immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity
  • A pocket of pus will form 
  • Abscess
  • Drains the abscess by placing a tube through your abdominal wall into the abscess
  • The tube is left in place for about two weeks
  •  
  • Given antibiotics to clear the infection ()

 

Location of Pain:

Beginning Stage: Central abdomen, around the navel

Later Stage: Lower right hand side abdomen

 

Death Rate:

More than 5% of the people that got appendicitis die.

The death rate is higher when the appendix is ruptured.

 

Surgery:

Laparoscopically (La-pair-rah-scoh-pick-aly)

Uses a small laparoscopy, a small needle-like object that does not require flesh to be cut open. The laparoscopy will have a camera which enables surgeons to locate where the inflamed appendix is without cutting open the abdomen. 

Since it cuts open a small area in order to put in the laparoscopically, it leaves a less visible scar and can recover faster.

Open Surgery

Open surgery requires cutting open a larger area and enabling the doctors to see the inflamed appendix without using a camera. This requires less skill for the surgeon.

 

Medication:

All medications are used for bacterial infections and others, we listed out some examples of common medications

1. Zosyn (Antibiotic) (Zoh-sin)
   1. Treat infections caused by bacteria, including stomach infections, skin infections, pneumonia and other severe uterine infections.
2. Cefotaxime, Claforan (Antibiotic) (Seh-foh-tax-seem), (K-leh-floor-reign) 

1. Common side effects of Cefotaxime include pain, bruising, swelling, or other irritation where the injection is inserted. 

3. Cephalosporin (seh-four-lus-spore-in) 

According to Frieda Wiley, “Cephalosporins are a large group of antibiotics that belong to a class known as beta-lactams.” Cephalosporin are a type of bactericidal drugs

1. Cefotetan (Seh-four-tay-tin) (Second-generation Cephalosporin) 

Cefotetan are targeted specifically towards:

• Gram-negative bacterias, (bacterias with an enclosed protective capsule) 
• Anaerobic bacterias. (germs that can survive without oxygen)

2. Cefoxitin - Mefoxin (Second-generation Cephalosporin)

Cefoxitin are targeted specifically towards:

• Gram positive cocci bacterias (bacterias that result in blue-purple coloring after a gram stain test and are sphere shaped)
  • When a crystal purple dye was applied to the bacteria, the dye only affects the color of thick peptidoglycan layers.
  • Gram positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan membrane which can hold the dye, making them appear to be a blue and purple color.
  • Gram negative bacteria have a thin membrane which does not retain the dye and turns a pinkish shade.
• Gram negative rods bacteria (bacterias that result in pink-red coloring after a gram stain test and are rectangular shaped
• The gram positive bacteria turns blue and purple because its thick membrane can hold the dye while 

3. Cefepime - Maxipime (Fourth-generation Cephalosporin)

Cefepime are targeted specifically towards: 

• A broad spectrum of gram-positive and negative bacterias 

 

Diagnose:

1. Blood Tests

If one has a high amount of white blood cells, it is extremely likely that they are infected.

White blood cells signal infection because when infection occurs, white blood cells will be produced in a larger order in order to fend off the infection.

2. Urine Tests

If one has bacteria and/or many white blood cells, it is highly possible that one is infected.

3. Ultrasound

The ultrasound is usually used to check if the appendix or the area around the appendix have any signs of inflammation. 

 

Rachel’s own appendicitis experience

The pain around the central abdomen started and the intensity of the pain was randomly experienced, though it worsened after movements like walking and turning.

I vomited once after a nurse gave me tylenol with apple juice, the color of the vomit was watery and a shade of light and bright green.

Later on, a doctor diagnosed me with either appendicitis or gastroenteritis/stomach flu. She was not sure but she gave me intravenous therapy, which is known as IV for short. While doing so, blood tests were done and the doctor informed me that there are signs of inflammation in my body.She told me to do an ultrasound the next day and discharged me from the hospital after giving me Tylenol and Advil for pain.

The next day, my pain moved to the lower right side of my abdomen. The imaging showed that my appendix was inflamed and so was the area around it. The doctors were still not 100% sure if it is appendicitis, because I have not vomited after eating food or feel nauseous, and also the inflammation of the appendix might be caused by another flu or disease. However, the possibility of it being another disease was quite small and the attending surgeon had decided to treat it exactly like appendicitis.

The surgeons provided me with two choices: Antibiotic treatment or laparoscopic surgery. The surgeons, doctors and nurses recommend surgery because with the removal of the appendix, I will not have to be concerned of getting appendicitis ever again. There are very few risks that occur extremely seldomly, such as a tear in the scarred tissue or some complications during the surgery. If I am taking antibiotics, there is a 20% to 30% that appendicitis will come back in one year. 

I had the surgery and I was first required to stay in the hospital to be given antibiotics through IV. Urine tests and blood tests were done. The next day, I was taken to the OR around noon. It is not different from what I imagined, filled with lights and devices to check my vitals. There would be three incisions, one on the symmetrically opposite side of the appendix, one 3 centimeters below my belly button, these two were for the cameras to insert. The last one is my belly button, where they took out my appendix.

I was discharged from the hospital hours later after I was able to walk (very slowly and painfully). For several days, I could not use any of my abdominal muscles. I can barely do anything.
 

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): (Gas-dro-enter-righ-dis)

Basic Information:

Gastroenteritis, more commonly referred to as ‘stomach flu’ is not caused by influenza at all. Instead, it refers to the inflammation of your stomach and intestines caused most commonly viral or bacterial infections, making it a contagious disease. Gastroenteritis is generally short-termed in uncomplicated cases, lasting only a couple days; in complicated cases and/or cases without proper medical treatments, Gastroenteritis can often result in death. 

 

Symptoms:

1. Loss of appetite 
2. Nauseous
3. Vomiting
4. Abdominal cramps
5. Diarrhea (more frequent liquid or semi-liquid feces*)
6. Muscle ache and headache 
7. Low-grade fever (a body temperature of over 36~37 Celsius or 97.6~99.6 Fahrenheit, weakness and fatigueness, chills, sweating) 
8. Dehydration (intense thirst, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, dark urine color)

* Casual definition: Poop

   Clinical definition: Bowel movements

Usually lasts for 24 to 72 hours. 

 

Causes:

Infection or inflammation of the digestive system

1. Viral infections (Viruses)

• Being in a close space with infected people

2. Bacteria/Bacterial toxins

• A non-hygienic environment
  • Poor hand washing techniques
  • Dirty surfaces

3. Parasites 
4. Particular chemicals and some drugs. 
5. Food poisoning

 

Further Complications:

1. Symptoms continues to 2 or more days

• Blood or pus in your feces*
• Fever of more than 38 Celsuis

2. Severe dehydration
3. Neurological problems
4. Kidney failure 

* Casual definition: Poop

   Clinical definition: Bowel movements

 

Location of Pain:

Pain (similar to a cramp) in your abdominal area

 

Death Rate: 

1.3 million deaths in 2015 globally.

Ten thousand deaths annually in the US (150~300 age under 5)

Mostly because of severe dehydration and the lack of proper treatment.

 

Surgery: Typically not needed

 

Medication:

1. Intake of fluids to prevent dehydration
2. Fluid therapy
3. Antibiotics (if the cause is bacteria)
4. Parasite killing drugs (if the cause is parasites) 

 

Diagnosis:

1. Matching symptoms 
2. Feces* test (detects cause for diagnosis: virus, bacterial or parasitic infections)

* Casual definition: Poop

   Clinical definition: Bowel movements

 

Cholecystitis: (Chlo-luh-seh-sigh-tis)

Basic Information: 

Cholecystitis is when the gallbladder, (a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the belly (abdomen), beneath the liver that holds a digestive fluid (bile) that's released into the small intestine) is inflammed. Cholecystitis is most commonly caused by gallstones. 

 

Calculous Cholecystitis

Calculous Cholecystitis is when the inflammation is caused by gallstones (digestive fluids that solidify in the gallbladder) which is the most common case. Calculous Cholecystitis can be both Acute and Chronic. Acute means the Cholecystitis is sudden and urgent. Chronic means the Cholecystitis is slow and longstanding

 

Acalculous Cholecystitis

Acalculous Cholecystitis is when the inflammation is not caused by gallstones. 

 

Symptoms:

1. Intense, sudden pain in the upper right part of belly

• May spread to your back and below the right shoulder blade
• May worsen with each breath

2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Fever (a body temperature of over 36~37 Celsius or 97.6~99.6 Fahrenheit, weakness and fatigueness, chills, sweating) 
5. Yellowing of the skin eyes
6. Light colored, loose, watery feces*

* Casual definition: Poop

   Clinical definition: Bowel movements

Can last 2 to 3 days

 

Causes:

1. Increased bile flow that builds up in your in your gallbladder, causing an inflammation 

• Gallstones (Blocks the tube where bile flows out of your gallbladder)
• Tumor
• Stone or thickened bile sludges
• Scarring or kinking of bile ducts
• Decreased blood flow (severe illness, diabetes)
• Bacterial infection in bile duct system 

 

Further Complications:

1. Can possibly injure

•  Liver
• Bile ducts
• Pancreas (leading to Pancreatitis)

2. Causes tissue death
3. Creates gall bladder tears (perforation) 

• Can lead to infection of abdominal cavities

 

Location of Pain:

Beginning stage: upper right part of belly

Later stage: lower back and below the right shoulder blade

 

 

Death Rate:

For uncomplicated (especially acute cholecystitis) cases, the death rate is very low. 

However, patients with delayed treatment and acalculous cholecystitis have a death rate 20% to 50%.

 

Surgery:

The treatment of Cholecystitis ultimately is to remove gallbladder entirely, since the removal of only gallstones doesn’t necessarily prevent gallstones from blocking the bile flowage again. In other words, it is almost certain that the Cholecystitis will come back into something more severe or long-term. Other than the direct removal of the gallbladder, some patients chose to instead, drain the overflowed bile in his/her gallbladder, however, this solution, like the removal of gallstones, doesn’t prevent Cholecystitis from coming back. In most uncomplicated cases, the removal of the gallbladder is done through a laparoscopic surgery; more complicated cases of Cholecystitis might require open surgery, however. 

With that said, if you’re diagnosed with acalculous Cholecystitis, you’ll not be required to remove your gallbladder, instead, medication or surgery according to the source of your Cholecystitis. 

 

Medication:

1. IV Fluids 

• Prevents dehydration

2. IV Antibiotics

• For inflammation caused by bacteria

3. IV pain relievers

• Most people needs pain relievers for the severe abdominal pain

Diagnosis:

1. Matching symptoms
2. Imaging of your gallbladder and bile ducts
3. Blood tests
4.  

Food Poisoning

Symptoms:

1. Pain around the stomach area
2. Cramps in your abdominal and gut 
3. Diarrhea (often accompanied by bloating cramps and constant feeling of needing to go the washroom) 
4. Dehydration (signs of dark-colored urine, dry throat, dizziness)
5. Constant vomiting (accompanied by feelings of nausea)
6. Fever symptoms (a body temperature of over 36~37 Celsius or 97.6~99.6 Fahrenheit, weakness and fatigueness, chills, sweating, loss of appetite) 
7. The beginning of symptoms varies between a few hours to weeks later depending on your cause

Causes:

1. Consuming food that are contaminated by viruses or bacteria

• Most commonly Campylobacter
• Diseases on a person’s hand if not washed before cooking
• Diseases of a sick person preparing the food

2. Consuming food that are not reheated thoroughly (is raw)
3. Consuming food that are stored incorrectly
4. Consuming food that are left out for a long period of time
5. Consuming food that are past their expired date

 

Further Complications

1. Blood clots in kidney
   1. If the bacteria that infected the stomach was E. Coli, E. coli can form blood clots
   2. These blood clots block the kidney’s filtering system
   3. This is called the hemolytic uremic syndrome
   4. The syndrome usually results in kidney failure
2. Meningitis
   1. Inflammation that may damage the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
   2. May damage membranes and fluid near the brain and spinal cord

 

Location of Pain: Around the trunks of your body.
 

Death Rate:

The death rate is quite low, only around 3,000 deaths per year. However, food poisoning can lead to further more severe illnesses.

 

Surgery:

No surgery needed.

 

Medication:

There is no medication you can take. 

 

Preventions:

1. Handwashing 
2. Wash fruits and vegetables carefully
3. Wash kitchen utensils carefully
4. Avoid consuming raw food and expired food
5. Refrigerate/Freeze leftovers
6. Clean your refrigerator

Our Science Fair Project is a study which mainly focuses on collecting and analyzing data in order to reveal evidence of fact or a situation of scientific interest. Thus, we had dedicated much time in order to collect a large variety of data and reassured that all information that we had researched was correct and accurate by checking its author and date of publication. Specifically, we have used various websites from professional clinics, hospitals and medical graduates from well-known universities. 

 

 

We have presented you with everything you need to know about four common diseases/illnesses in the teenage age group and wish to raise awareness after thorough research. In these diseases/illnesses, graphs, pictures, trivias, checklists and others are introduced to you to keep the whole presentation fun, clear and resourceful. We had also done an amazing job with the visual aesthetics that appealed to the judges and spectators. In all, after you listened to our display of dedication, you will be amazed at how much you learned and how much fun you had.

Bibliography: 

Appendicitis:

Bandoim, Lana. “Everything You Should Know About Chronic Appendicitis” 

Healthline. Last updated on November 10, 2023. Last accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-appendicitis#chronic-vs-acute-appendicitis

 

Bennington-Castro, Joseph. “Treating Appendicitis With Antibiotics” 

EverydayHealth. Last edited October 12, 2022. Last accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.everydayhealth.com/appendicitis/guide/antibiotics/

 

Craig, Sandy. “Appendicitis Medication” Medscape. Last updated 

November 9, 2022.  Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/773895-medication?form=fpf#3

 

Dollar Photo Club and Bogash, James. “Appendicitis Concerns:

Don’t Rush To Have It Removed” LifeCare Chiropractic. Posted on July 8, 2015. https://lifecarechiropractic.com/appendectomy-surgery/

 

Editors of EverydayHealth. “Cefotetan (Cefotan)” EverydayHealth. Last

accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/cefotetan#basics

 

Editors of Fertility North. “Laparoscopic Surgery for Infertility” Fertility 

North. Last accessed February 25, 2024.  https://www.fertilitynorth.com.au/fertility-testing/laparoscopy/

 

Editors of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Appendicitis” Johns Hopkins

Medicine. Last accessed February 25, 2024. :https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/appendicitis#:~:text=Appendicitis%20happens%20when%20the%20inside,blocked%20or%20trapped%20by%20stool.

 

Editors of the Wikipedia “Appendicitis” Wikipedia. Last edited February 24,

2024. Last accessed February 25, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendicitis

 

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fever” Mayo Clinic. Last accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759?p=1

 

M. Bush, Larry. “Overview of Gram-positive Bacteria” Merck Manual. Last 

updated March of 2023. Last accessed February 25, 2024. 

https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-positive-bacteria/overview-of-gram-positive-bacteria

 

Nunez, Kirsten. “Gram-Positive Bacteria Explained in Simple Terms” 

Healthline. Published December 18, 2019. Last accessed February 25, 2024. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/gram-positive#vs-gram-negative

 

Wiley, Frieda. “What Are Cephalosporins? Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, and 

More” EverydayHealth. Last updated December 6, 2022. Last accessed February 25, 2024.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/cephalosporins/

 

Yadao, Siddhartha, Lamture, and Huse, Shreyash, et. al. “Uses of Antibiotics 

Alone in Case of Uncomplicated Appendicitis” National Library of Medicine. Published August 27, 2022.  Last accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9513284/#:~:text=Antibiotics%20are%20the%20foundation%20of,with%20a%20beta%2Dlactamase%20inhibitor.

Nunez, Kristen, “Gram Positive Bacteria Explained In Simple Terms”, 

Healthline. Published December 18, 2019. Last Accessed February 26, 

2024.

https://www.healthline.com/health/gram-positive#testing

 

Gastroenteritis:

 

Staff of Narayana Health. “Gastroenteritis - Symptoms, Signs, Causes and 

Treatment Options” Narayana Health. Published May 24, 2023. Last accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/gastroenteritis-symptoms-signs-causes-and-treatment-options/

 

Government of Quebec. “Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)” Government of

Quebec. Last updated December 18, 2023. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/flu-cold-and-gastroenteritis/gastroenteritis#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20gastroenteritis%20usually%20last%2024%20to%2072%20hours.

 

Editors of the Better Health Channel. “Gastroenteritis” Better Health 

Channel. Last updated  November 3, 2021. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gastroenteritis#:~:text=Gastroenteritis%20is%20a%20short%2Dterm,particular%20chemicals%20and%20some%20drugs.

 

Vincent, Lai. “Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment” 

Gleneagles Hospital. Last updated January 5, 2022. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/health-plus/article/all-about-gastroenteritis-health-plus

 

Editors of Wikipedia. “Gastroenteritis” Wikipedia. Last updated February 16, 

2024. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis#:~:text=In%20the%20US%2C%20infections%20causing,than%20five%20years%20of%20age.

 

DiLonardo, Mary. “Gastroenteritis (‘Stomach Flu’)” Web MD. Last edited September 

17, 2021. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis

 

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)” Mayo Clinic. Published 

January 18, 2022. Last accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378852

 

Cholecystitis:

 

Editors of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Cholecystitis” Johns Hopkins Medicine. Last 

accessed February 29. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cholecystitis#:~:text=Cholecystitis%20is%20a%20redness%20and,be%20admitted%20to%20a%20hospital.

 

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Cholecystitis” Mayo Clinic. Published September 9, 2022. Last 

accessed February 29. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholecystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20364867

 

Cleveland clinic medical professional. “Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)” 

Cleveland Clinic. Last edited September 21, 2023. Last accessed February 29. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15265-gallbladder-swelling--inflammation-cholecystitis

 

Food Poisoning:

 

Mayo Clinic Staff, “Food Poisoning” Mayo Clinic. Published February 23, 2024. Last 

accessed March 1, 2024.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20

 

Shew, Abigail. “Are You Sure It Wasn’t Food Poisoning?” US Department of 

Agriculture. Published August 28, 2017. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/08/28/are-you-sure-it-wasnt-food-poisoning

 

West, Helen. “10 Signs and Symptoms of Food Poisoning” Healthline. Last updated 

March 21, 2023. Last accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-poisoning-signs-symptoms#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

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We (Rachel Wu and Zoe Wang) would like to give our thanks to a couple of people:

First of all, our parents, thank you for supporting us throughout this whole journey. Special thanks to Rachel’s mom, who arranged all if our big research meetings (and sleepovers!) and let us work in her humble home; Zoe’s mom, who brought all of our materials for the trifold, and Angelina Mai helping tremendously with all the painting.

A huge thank you to Ms. Grelowski, Ms. Garcia-Diaz, Ms. Schmidt and all the other Webber Academy staff that helped guide us throughout this 7 (Wow! Seven?) months of researching. 

A round of applause for all the medical staffs, researchers, and patients who are experiencing these diseases. We hear you, and we hope this project allows more people to be more aware of these common diseases that millions of people go through every day.

Finally, we’ll like to thank you for listening (or just looking) at our presentation!