What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, irritated, or infected. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the lower right side of the large intestine. While it has no essential function in modern human digestion, its inflammation can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly.

Appendicitis typically requires urgent medical care, and in many cases, surgical removal of the appendix is necessary. It affects approximately 250,000 people in the United States each year, with the highest incidence among individuals aged 10 to 30.

Types of Appendicitis

There are two primary types of appendicitis:

Acute appendicitis: This type appears suddenly with sharp, intense symptoms. It can quickly worsen and is considered a medical emergency. Surgery is often required to avoid complications like a ruptured appendix.

Chronic appendicitis: This is a rare form that develops slowly and causes recurring abdominal pain. Symptoms may be mild and can appear intermittently over weeks or months. Chronic appendicitis accounts for about 1–5% of cases.

Recognizing Symptoms

Both acute and chronic appendicitis share similar symptoms, though they vary in severity and duration. Key signs to look out for include:

  • Abdominal pain: Starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side. The pain worsens with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area.

  • Nausea and vomiting: Often follows the onset of pain.

  • Loss of appetite: Common due to discomfort and inflammation.

  • Low-grade fever: Typically ranges from 100 to 101°F; a higher fever may indicate a ruptured appendix.

  • Digestive changes: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or difficulty passing gas.

Chronic appendicitis might also involve fatigue, a general sense of illness, and intermittent swelling or bloating.

What Causes It?

Appendicitis results from a blockage or infection inside the appendix. When the appendix's internal passage (lumen) is obstructed, mucus accumulates, and bacteria begin to multiply, leading to inflammation and infection.

Common causes include:

  • Hardened stool (fecalith)

  • Gastrointestinal infections

  • Abdominal trauma or injury

  • Intestinal parasites

  • Tumors or growths

  • Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

The build-up of pressure inside the appendix can cause the walls to rupture, spreading infection into the abdominal cavity.

Risk Factors

Although appendicitis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:

  • Age: Most common in people aged 10 to 30

  • Family history: Genetic predisposition may play a role

  • Gender: Slightly more prevalent in males

  • Weakened immune system: Conditions or treatments like chemotherapy that impair immunity increase the risk

Awareness of these factors can help with early detection and timely treatment.

How It’s Diagnosed

Diagnosing appendicitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. The steps typically include:

  • Medical history review: Details about symptom onset, pain location, intensity, and previous illnesses are gathered.

  • Physical examination: Pressure is applied to the abdomen to check for tenderness, particularly on the lower right side.

  • Blood tests: Elevated white blood cell count may indicate infection or inflammation.

  • Urinalysis: Rules out urinary tract infections or kidney stones.

  • Imaging:

    • Ultrasound: Especially useful in children and pregnant individuals.

    • CT scan: Provides a detailed image to confirm appendicitis.

    • MRI: An alternative when radiation exposure should be minimized.

Accurate diagnosis is vital to avoid complications from misdiagnosed abdominal conditions.

Available Treatments

Treatment for appendicitis aims to reduce infection and prevent rupture. The most common approaches include:

Antibiotics:

  • May be used in mild or early-stage appendicitis.

  • Administered orally or intravenously.

  • Sometimes used to delay or avoid surgery temporarily.

Surgery (Appendectomy):

  • Considered the standard treatment for acute appendicitis.

  • Two main surgical approaches:

    • Open appendectomy: A single larger incision is made on the lower right abdomen.

    • Laparoscopic appendectomy: Minimally invasive; involves small incisions and faster recovery.

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and whether the appendix had ruptured.

Preventive Measures

There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent appendicitis. However, certain habits may support better digestive health:

  • High-fiber diet: May help reduce constipation and blockages

  • Hydration: Keeps the digestive system moving smoothly

  • Prompt care for GI infections: Early treatment may reduce the risk of complications

  • Regular medical checkups: Important for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of appendicitis

Although prevention is not always possible, awareness and early intervention are key.

Possible Complications

Untreated or severe appendicitis can lead to life-threatening issues:

  • Ruptured appendix: Causes widespread infection (peritonitis)

  • Abscess formation: Pockets of pus around the appendix

  • Sepsis: A dangerous, body-wide response to infection

  • Bowel obstruction: Scar tissue or swelling may block intestines

These complications often require more intensive treatment and longer hospital stays. Early diagnosis significantly lowers these risks.

Living With Appendicitis

For those treated successfully, full recovery is expected. Tips for living with or recovering from appendicitis include:

  • Post-surgery care: Follow wound care instructions and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks

  • Diet adjustments: Start with liquids and gradually return to solid foods

  • Hydration and rest: Crucial for healing

  • Medical follow-up: Attend all post-op appointments

People who had chronic appendicitis may notice long-term improvement in symptoms after surgery.