Appendicitis is a disease in which the appendix (a small finger - like sac connected to the large intestine) becomes inflamed or infected. It can cause a series of painful symptoms, such as stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a mild fever.

There are mainly two types: acute and chronic (recurrent). Acute appendicitis is more common. It occurs suddenly, with severe symptoms that can deteriorate rapidly and is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Chronic appendicitis has a long - lasting inflammation, and its symptoms come and go. It is relatively rare, accounting for only 1 - 5% of all appendicitis cases.

Acute and chronic appendicitis have similar symptoms. The typical symptom is abdominal pain. Initially, it is often a dull pain near the navel. After a few hours or days, the pain intensifies and shifts to the lower right part of the abdomen. The pain will increase when taking a deep breath, walking, coughing, or pressing on the abdomen. In addition, there is also a loss of appetite. Due to the pain and discomfort, combined with the body's reaction to the appendiceal inflammation, people do not want to eat. Nausea and vomiting may occur after the pain appears. A low fever (between 100 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit) is a common symptom. A fever higher than this may indicate a ruptured appendix. There may also be changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence or inability to pass gas. Chronic appendicitis may also lead to other symptoms such as fatigue, general malaise, abdominal distension or swelling.

Inflammation or infection inside the appendix (lumen) is the pathogenesis of appendicitis. Normally, the mucus produced by the appendix enters the large intestine through the lumen. When the appendix is blocked, the mucus flows back, and the bacteria in the appendix begin to multiply, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen, and infected, which in turn triggers symptoms. The causes of appendix blockage include hard stools, parasites, masses (tumors), infections in the gastrointestinal tract or other parts of the body, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), and abdominal injuries.

Anyone can get appendicitis, but certain factors can increase the risk. For example, age, it is most common among people aged 10 to 30. A family history of appendicitis can increase the risk. People designated as male at birth have a slightly higher risk of developing appendicitis than those designated as female. People with a weakened immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressive drugs, or having diseases that cause a weakened immune system, have a higher risk of developing symptoms.

Healthcare providers usually use a combination of methods for diagnosis. First, they ask about the medical history, including when the symptoms started, the location of the pain, the severity of the symptoms, and whether any home remedies have been tried. They also review the patient's and family's current or past medical conditions, surgeries, and medications. Secondly, a physical examination is conducted to check the abdomen and ask about the feeling when pressing on different parts. They may also ask the patient to lift their legs, bend or rotate their legs to determine whether the appendix is the source of the pain. A blood test can measure certain biomarkers related to body infection and inflammation (such as white blood cells). A urine analysis is used to rule out other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or pregnancy. Imaging scans, such as abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography scans, can help doctors look for signs of organ inflammation or obstruction.

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and inflammation of the appendix and improve the symptoms. Antibiotic treatment can be used. Many healthcare providers will administer antibiotics to patients who may have appendicitis. For patients with mild appendicitis, antibiotics alone can help clear the infection, reduce inflammation, and eliminate symptoms. They are usually administered intravenously. Surgery is currently the gold standard treatment for appendicitis, called appendectomy. If a patient has severe abdominal pain, infection, or signs of a ruptured appendix, the doctor will recommend surgery. There are mainly two surgical methods. Open laparotomy: The surgeon makes an incision (cut) on the right side of the abdomen where the appendix is located to remove it. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery in which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through a small incision to observe and remove the appendix.

Appendicitis is an acute condition that requires immediate treatment. Once symptoms appear, contact a healthcare provider or call 911 as soon as possible to prevent complications.

There is currently no definite way to prevent appendicitis, but some studies suggest that a high - fiber diet may reduce the risk. Foods rich in fiber include beans (such as lentils, peas, black beans), berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries), leafy greens (such as kale, broccoli, spinach), whole grains (such as barley, oats, popcorn), and nuts and seeds (such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, flaxseeds).

If not treated in time, appendicitis can lead to a ruptured appendix and cause a variety of complications. A ruptured appendix may cause peritonitis, that is, the contents of the appendix leak into the abdomen and cause an infection of the inner membrane (called the peritoneum). An abscess may form, which is a collection of pus in the abdomen, causing pain and discomfort and may require additional treatment, such as draining the pus or using more antibiotics and other drugs. Sepsis may also occur, which is a serious systemic infection (or an infection that affects the whole body) when bacteria enter the bloodstream. In rare cases, appendectomy surgery may also have complications, such as infection at the surgical incision site, small intestine obstruction or blockage, a fistula (an abnormal passage or connection between the stomach or intestine and the skin), and intestinal obstruction (a condition in which the intestine cannot contract and function normally).

Most patients with acute appendicitis who receive timely surgery or antibiotic treatment can fully recover and resume normal activities within a few weeks. However, if not treated in time, acute appendicitis can be life - threatening, so early detection and treatment are extremely crucial. The symptoms of chronic appendicitis may last for several years. Sometimes it may develop into an acute form and require surgical removal of the appendix. As many as 23% of patients who have had an appendectomy have reported symptoms of chronic appendicitis. If you have chronic appendicitis, it is best to discuss other treatment options with your doctor to relieve long - term symptoms. In short, if you have symptoms of appendicitis, it is essential to seek medical treatment. Early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of complications.