How does appendicitis happen

This is known as peritonitis , and it can be very serious, even fatal. Bacterial infections can also affect other organs in your abdomen. For example, bacteria from a ruptured abscess or appendix may enter your bladder or colon.

It may also travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body. To prevent or manage these complications, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, surgery, or other treatments.

In some cases, you might develop side effects or complications from treatment. However, the risks associated with antibiotics and surgery tend to be less serious than the potential complications of untreated appendicitis. But you might be able to lower your risk of developing it by eating a fiber-rich diet.

Although more research is needed on the potential role of diet, appendicitis is less common in countries where people eat high-fiber diets. Your doctor may also encourage you to take a fiber supplement. Appendicitis can affect anyone. But some people may be more likely to develop this condition than others. For example, risk factors for appendicitis include:.

Although more research is needed, low-fiber diets might also raise the risk of appendicitis. Appendicitis can be acute or chronic. In acute cases of appendicitis, the symptoms tend to be severe and develop suddenly. In chronic cases, the symptoms may be milder and may come and go over several weeks, months, or even years. The condition can also be simple or complex. In simple cases of appendicitis, there are no complications. Complex cases involve complications, such as an abscess or ruptured appendix.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of appendicitis. If you undergo surgery to remove your appendix, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers to support your recovery.

In addition to taking medications as prescribed, it may help to:. In some cases, your doctor might encourage you to adjust your diet. Read this article in Spanish. More often than not, pain in the lower right abdomen is nothing to worry about and will go away on its own in a day or two.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of your appendix, in the lower right side of your abdomen, that requires immediate treatment. Some symptoms can be…. Do you have a stomach bug or food poisoning?

Discriminating between the two can be difficult. A stomach bug and food poisoning can be commonly…. Find out what conditions may be causing your stomach pain at night, as well as when you should go see your doctor. What does abdominal bloating look like? Check out photos of abdominal bloating and read what may be causing your bloating and pain. Abdominal bloating…. Here are the types of foods that cause the most gas. Abdominal pain can develop for numerous reasons.

Here's what may be causing pain in your lower left abdomen. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for appendicitis. Appendicitis symptoms. Appendicitis causes.

Tests for appendicitis. Can your doctor use an ultrasound to diagnose appendicitis? Treatment options for appendicitis. Surgery for appendicitis. Acute appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis. Appendicitis in kids. Recovery time for appendicitis.

Appendicitis in pregnancy. Potential complications of appendicitis. Preventing appendicitis. Risk factors for appendicitis. Types of appendicitis. Appendicitis and home remedies. It's not clear what causes appendicitis. In many cases it may be that something blocks the entrance of the appendix. For example, it could become blocked by a small piece of poo, or an upper respiratory tract infection could cause the lymph node within the wall of the bowel to become swollen.

If the obstruction causes inflammation and swelling, it could lead to increased pressure within the appendix, which may then burst. As the causes of appendicitis are not fully understood, there's no guaranteed way of preventing it. Appendicitis is a common condition. In England, around 50, people are admitted to hospital with appendicitis each year.

You can get appendicitis at any age, but it usually affects young people aged between 10 and 20 years. Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February Symptoms of appendicitis Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy abdomen that may come and go. Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse. When to get medical help If you have abdominal pain that's gradually getting worse, contact a GP or your local out-of-hours service immediately.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Appendicitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Appendicitis The appendix is a narrow, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from the colon. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Appendicitis. Accessed May 4, Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix. American College of Surgeons. Martin RF. Acute appendicitis in adults: Clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis.

Smink D, et al. Management of acute appendicitis in adults.