Appendicitis

The appendix is a narrow, closed-ended tube attached to the cecum (the part of the colon that appears in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen). The appendix contains mucous, lymphatic tissue (tissue that produces antibodies) and a layer of muscle. Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed. Doctors believe that appendicitis occurs when hardened stool blocks the opening from the appendix into the cecum, or when the lymphatic tissue swells. When either of these events occur, bacteria within the appendix infect the appendix walls. The body counterattacks the bacteria, leading to an inflammation. If the inflammation spreads through the appendix walls, the appendix can rupture. A ruptured appendix can spread infection throughout the abdomen.

Typically, the first sign of appendicitis is abdominal pain, often localized in the abdominal region. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to absecess in the abdomen or bacterial infections. A ruptured appendix must be removed immediately. A CT abdomen scan can help diagnose appendicitis and a related condition, peri-appendiceal abscess (collection of infected pus resulting from appendicitis).