The appendix is a small, worm-like appendage attached to the colon.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, and bacteria invade and infect the wall and lumen of the appendix.
The most common complications of appendicitis are rupture, abscess, and peritonitis.
The most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis in adults and children are
*abdominal pain,
*loss of appetite,
*nausea and vomiting,
*fever, and
*abdominal tenderness.
Appendicitis usually is suspected on the basis of a patient’s history and physical examination; however, a white blood cell count, urinalysis, abdominal X-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography, CT scan, and laparoscopy also may be helpful in diagnosis.
Due to the varying size and location of the appendix and the proximity of other organs to the appendix, it may be difficult to differentiate appendicitis from other abdominal and pelvic diseases or even during the onset of labor during pregnancy.
The treatment for appendicitis usually is antibiotics and appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix).