What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation and swelling of the appendix, which is an attachment found in the lower right side of the colon. Left untreated, it can cause infection or even death. If the open end of the appendix becomes blocked, swelling shuts off the blood supply and the appendix tissue dies. If it isn’t removed, the appendix can burst, which can be fatal if untreated.
Who can get appendicitis?
Anyone can get appendicitis, but it occurs usually in people ages 10 to 30.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain that starts around the belly button and then moves to the lower right side
- Pain that increases when you move
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
How is appendicitis treated?
Appendicitis is normally treated with surgery to remove the appendix. This is called an appendectomy. It’s either a laparoscopic surgery – through a small incision in the belly –or surgery done through two- to four-inch incision in the belly. Open surgery is done if the appendix has ruptured and the abdomen needs to be washed out.
