Illustration of the location of the appendix. [Photo/health.howstuffworks.com]
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It is one of the most common causes of severe acute abdominal pain in the world. The appendix is part of the colon and oozes a steady supply of mucus. Since it is narrower than the colon, it can easily get blocked by hardened fecal matter (fecaliths), small kinks and swollen tissue.
A clogged up appendix still produces fluids and because the fluids can't escape, pressure builds up. Bacteria subsequently invade and cause the infection.
This infection, called appendicitis, can cause fever, nausea and loss of appetite. One experiences pain in the lower right side, between the navel and hipbone. Symptoms include pain, vomiting and fever.
When an infected appendix is left untreated, it can rupture. Bacteria them spills into the abdominal cavity. This is turn can cause sepsis or peritonitis, a potentially fatal complication in which the peritoneum, (the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the stomach and intestines), gets inflamed.
Surgeries to remove the appendix are fairly successful especially before it ruptures. The surgical procedure to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy or appendicectomy.