Appendicitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that is connected to your colon and is located in the lower right side of your abdomen (stomach).
The reason we have an 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, recent research has suggested that the appendix may provide a home to 'friendly bacteria' that aid digestion and help fight infection.
What is appendicitis?
It is thought that the most common causes of appendicitis are infection and obstruction. However, in many cases there is no obvious cause.
Obstructions can sometimes occur when a hard piece of stool (faeces) gets trapped in the appendix. Both infection and obstruction cause the appendix to become filled with bacteria that produce pus. The pus causes the appendix to swell and, if left untreated, the appendix can burst (perforate).
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 10-30 years of age.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency
Appendicitis is regarded as a medical emergency because a ruptured appendix can lead to potentially serious or even fatal complications, such as blood poisoning (sepsis).
However, as a result of advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques, deaths from appendicitis are very rare. Appendicitis can be treated by surgically removing the appendix (appendectomy).
Appendectomies are one of the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedures, and their success rate is excellent. Living without an appendix will cause you no related problems.
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent appendicitis, studies have shown that it is less common among people who eat a high-fibre diet.
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.
Appendix
The appendix is a narrow muscular pocket in the abdomen that has no known function. It is attached to the large intestine.
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.
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.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
