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Appendicitis: Condition and Symptoms

If you think you have appendicitis, go to a doctor or the emergency room immediately. The condition is a medical emergency. With proper care, you will likely make a full recovery.

  1. Condition

    • Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. Painful swelling of the appendix is part of this condition.

    Causes

    • Appendicitis is caused by obstruction of the appendicial lumen. This obstruction causes the appendix to swell and become infected.

    Symptoms

    • Abdominal pain is the main symptom. Loss of appetite is another. Diarrhea or constipation can be symptoms as well as nausea and/or vomiting. A fever might accompany appendicitis.

    Treatment

    • Removal of the appendix is the most common treatment for appendicitis. The procedure used is called an appendectomy. A soft or liquid diet, along with antibiotics, might be used to treat appendicitis nonsurgically if surgery is not an option.

    Recovery

    • Recovering from appendicitis generally takes four to six weeks. Rest is important to give the body time to heal.

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