Ask a doctor - Why do people get appendicitis?

Q. Why do people get appendicitis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Appendicitis is a serious health condition in which the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. It's unclear why people get appendicitis, but some of the most common underlying causes include obstruction of the appendix due to food or feces, infection by a virus or bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, trauma from playing certain sports like basketball and football that lead to direct injury of the abdomen area where the appendix is located, genetic abnormalities that can put one at higher risk for developing appendicitis,and immune-system related issues.

While anyone can develop appendicitis regardless of age or gender (though it’s more common in teens and young adults), there are some symptoms you should look out for if you feel something isn't right with your health. Pain near your belly button followed by discomfort around on your right lower side may be signs that an inflammation has occurred requiring medical attention immediately. You may also experience nausea, vomiting fever and loss of appetite with abdominal swelling as time passes while having appendicitis. If untreated it can become life threatening due to pockets of pus called abscesses forming inside your abdomen leading to further complications like systemic infections or internal bleeding due to rupturing (perforation) of the organ itself

If you experience any signs related to this condition don’t hesitate visit your primary care physician for testing! Prompt treatment such as antibiotics and/or surgery are usually necessary if you have been diagnosed with acute appendicitis so it's best not waste time waiting it out in hopes symptoms will disappear on their own .