Appendicitis Summary The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine. It is located in the lower right part of the abdomen. It has no known function. A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow, and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can burst and spread infection into the abdomen. This causes a condition called peritonitis. The main symptom is pain in the abdomen, often on the right side. It is usually sudden and gets worse over time. Other symptoms may include Swelling in the abdomen Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Constipation or diarrhea Inability to pass gas Low fever Not everyone with appendicitis has all these symptoms. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment almost always involves removing the appendix. Anyone can get appendicitis, but it is more common among people 10 to 30 years old. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Encyclopedia Abdominal exploration Abdominal ultrasound Diagnostic laparoscopy Array Abdominal exploration – slideshow Appendectomy Appendectomy – slideshow Appendicitis Health Check Tools Abdominal Pain DSHI Systems Diagnosis and Tests Abdominal Pain, Short-Term American Academy of Family Physicians Abdominal Ultrasound Array CT — Abdomen and Pelvis Array Treatments and Therapies Appendectomy: Surgical Removal of the Appendix American College of Surgeons Patient Handouts Appendicitis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Teenagers Appendicitis Nemours Foundation Appendicitis in Teens American Academy of Pediatrics Start Here Appendicitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Appendicitis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Children Appendicitis Nemours Foundation Appendicitis (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Children’s (Pediatric) Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging Array Ultrasound: Abdomen (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Appendicitis National Institutes of Health Find an Expert National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Journal Articles Appendicitis Latest News Mild Appendicitis Complication Rates Similar for Surgery, Antibiotics HealthDay
