Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It may be acute or chronic.
In the United States, appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain resulting in surgery. About 5 percent of Americans will experience appendicitis at some point in their lives.
Appendicitis can happen at any time, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30. It’s more common in males than in females.
If left untreated, appendicitis may cause your appendix to burst and cause infection. This can be serious and sometimes fatal.
The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. …
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Inability to pass gas.
Treatment options for appendicitis:
Treatment for appendicitis varies. In most cases, however, surgery will be necessary. The type of surgery will depend on the details of your case.
Matthew Johnson MD, FACS 