Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. It causes pain in the abdomen (tummy) that gradually gets worse over several hours.

The appendix

The appendix is a small pouch that is connected to the colon (large intestine) and is located in the lower right side of the abdomen.

The purpose of the appendix is unclear. The biologist Charles Darwin thought that the appendix may be a by-product of evolution; something that early humans needed to help digest plants. However, research has suggested that the appendix may provide a home to 'friendly bacteria' that aid digestion and help fight infection.

It is thought that the most common causes of appendicitis are infection and obstruction (when something gets trapped in the appendix). However, in many cases there is no obvious cause. During appendicitis, the appendix becomes filled with bacteria that produce pus, causing the appendix to swell.

How common is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a common condition. In the UK, 7% of people will experience appendicitis at some point in their life. The condition is more common in men than in women, and normally occurs in those between 10 and 20 years of age.

Outlook

Appendicitis is regarded as a medical emergency. If left untreated, the appendix can burst (perforate). A burst appendix can lead to potentially serious or even fatal complications, such as blood poisoning (sepsis).

Appendicitis can be treated by surgically removing the appendix (appendectomy). Living without an appendix will cause no related problems.

An appendectomy is one of the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedures and its success rate is excellent. It is estimated that in the developed world, 8% of the population has had their appendix removed because of appendicitis.

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent appendicitis, it is thought to be less common among people who eat a high-fibre diet.

Appendix
The appendix is a narrow muscular pocket in the abdomen that has no known function. It is attached to the large intestine.

Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.

Abdomen
The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the hips.

Stomach
The sac-like organ of the digestive system. It helps digest food by churning it and mixing it with acids to break it down into smaller pieces.

Intestines
The intestines are the part of the digestive system between the stomach and the anus that digests and absorbs food and liquid.

Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.

Stool
Stool (also known as faeces) is the solid waste matter that is passed from the body as a bowel movement.