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Causes

There is no clear cause of appendicitis, though it is thought one possible cause may be when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Also, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can result in infection, leading to the swelling of the tissues of the appendix wall.

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Symptoms

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen

• Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen

• Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements

• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal bloating

• Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses

• Inability to pass gas

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Treatment

Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for almost all cases of appendicitis. Antibiotics almost always are begun prior to surgery and as soon as appendicitis is suspected.