How does burst appendix infect your body?

When the appendix ruptures or bursts, its contents, including bacteria and fecal matter, can spill into the peritoneal cavity—the space that contains the intestines and other abdominal organs. This contamination can lead to widespread inflammation of the peritoneum, known as peritonitis, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of peritonitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The following complications may also arise due to rupture:

1. Abscess formation: Pus-filled pockets (abscesses) can form within the abdomen or around the appendix. If left untreated, they can erode nearby structures or spread infection to distant sites.

2. Sepsis: If bacteria from a ruptured appendix spread through the bloodstream, this systemic infection becomes sepsis. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical intervention.

3. Perforation of nearby organs: If the abscess or rupture persists unchecked, it can perforate adjacent organs, leading to further intra-abdominal contamination and potentially severe infections (such as liver abscess, or bowel perforation with fecal peritonitis).