What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a painful inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen.

The exact function of the appendix is unknown, and its removal does not cause any significant health problems.

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by fecal matter, a foreign object, or rarely, a tumor. This blockage leads to increased pressure, inflammation, and bacterial growth, which can cause the appendix to become swollen and filled with pus.

Common symptoms of appendicitis include sudden pain that begins near the belly button and shifts to the lower right abdomen, pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breaths, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, abdominal bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, the inflamed appendix can rupture, spreading the infection throughout the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the appendix, called an appendectomy. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed before or after surgery to combat infection.

With timely diagnosis and treatment, most people recover from appendicitis without any complications.