Appendicitis (appendicitis) is an inflammation of a small appendage of the large intestine.
The appendix is a small finger-shaped tissue pouch in the lower right part of the abdomen. Although it is a branch of the first part of the large intestine, the cecum no important role in the excretion of digestive waste.
The appendix can be affected by bacteria that live in the intestinal tract. An infected appendix is swollen and inflamed, causing severe pain. Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the navel, which pulls up to the lower right abdomen. The pain is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, mild fever and constipation or diarrhea.
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Appendicitis is more common in men than in women, especially in young people around the age of 20.
An inflamed appendix is usually surgically removed. If treatment is delayed, the appendix can rupture, resulting in serious infection.
