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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that occurs most often in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The condition is considered a medical emergency, and treatment often involves surgery to remove the appendix. If treatment is delayed, the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Possible symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, fever, and constipation.

In most cases, feces will cause a blockage inside of the appendix. However, a bacterial or viral infection in the digestive tract can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes, which squeezes the appendix and causes obstruction. This is known as lymphoid hyperplasia. In rare cases, traumatic injury to the abdomen, or even genetics, may also cause blockage inside of the appendix.

People who have appendicitis may not have all of the common appendicitis symptoms, especially people with certain medical conditions, women who are pregnant, children, and the elderly. Symptoms of appendicitis can also be caused by other medical conditions, which is why people who experience possible appendicitis symptoms should see their doctor immediately, because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Pain in the abdomen can be an early symptom of appendicitis. The pain may first appear around the belly button and then move toward the lower right area of the abdomen.

Other common appendicitis symptoms include:

• Pain that intensifies when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Inability to pass gas
• Low fever that begins after other symptoms
• Abdominal swelling
• Feeling that a bowel movement will relieve the discomfort.

Acute appendicitis treatment consists of surgery to remove the appendix. This operation may be performed through a standard small incision in the lower-right part of the abdomen, or it may be performed using a laparoscope, which requires three to four smaller incisions. If other conditions are suspected in addition to appendicitis, they may be identified using laparoscopy. In some patients, laparoscopy is preferable to open surgery as an appendicitis treatment because the incision is smaller, recovery time is quicker, and less pain medication is required.

Recovery from an appendectomy takes a few weeks. Doctors usually prescribe pain medication and ask patients to limit physical activity. Recovery from laparoscopic appendectomy is generally faster, but limiting strenuous activity may still be necessary for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Most people who are treated for appendicitis recover excellently and rarely need to make any changes in their diet, exercise, or lifestyle.

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