Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is commonly caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (the inside of the appendix). Secretions produced by the appendix cannot pass through. As a result, the secretions accumulate within the appendix, causing it to swell and cause pain. In addition, bacteria normally living in the appendix can cause infection. When the appendix bursts, the infection can spread throughout the abdomen. This life-threatening condition is called peritonitis.
Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and vomiting.
Appendicitis is typically treated by removing the appendix. Surgery to remove the appendix is called appendectomy.
Related Posts:
Appendicitis
Appendicitis: An Overview
Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Appendicitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 09–4547, November 2008
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Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and vomiting.
Appendicitis is typically treated by removing the appendix. Surgery to remove the appendix is called appendectomy.
Related Posts:
Appendicitis
Appendicitis: An Overview
Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Appendicitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 09–4547, November 2008
[Top of Page]
