What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a medical condition that occurs when your appendix becomes inflamed. It is commonly caused by a blockage. Appendicitis is usually accompanied by symptoms such as intense abdominal pain or cramping. If it is not treated on time, it can cause your appendix to burst. According to studies, appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain in the United States. Studies also show that 9% of Americans will develop this condition at some points in their life.
The appendix is a small pouch that is located close to the intestine, in the lower-right abdomen. When your appendix is blocked, it increases the risks of developing bacteria in it. This can cause swelling and pus to form in your appendix, resulting in painful pressure in your abdomen. In severe cases, appendicitis can also impede blood flow.
When the appendix bursts, bacteria from it can get into your abdominal cavity, which can be severe and sometimes may lead to death. Appendicitis can occur in different forms and the severity of the condition depends on the type. Let’s take a look at the types: