PROCEDURES Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the sudden inflammation of the appendix, which is a small, finger-shaped pouch that protrudes from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen.

Appendicitis usually causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. Pain generally begins around the navel and then moves. As the inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe.

Although anyone can develop appendicitis, it often occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The standard treatment for the condition is the surgical removal of the appendix.

Appendicitis Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• A sudden, sharp pain that starts on the right side of your lower abdomen.
• A sudden pain that begins around your navel and then shifts to your lower right abdomen.
• Sharp pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other sudden movements.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• A fever that worsens as the illness progresses
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Abdominal bloating

The site of your pain may vary based on multiple factors. For example, when you're pregnant, the pain may come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy.