• What is Appendicitis?
• What are the symptoms?
• Treatment

This is an inflammation of the appendix. It is usually seen in young people. The infection may result in swelling, ischaemia, gangrene and perforation.

Rupture of the appendix develops into peritonitis.

The symptoms are slightly different to those of peritonitis. Typically, appendicitis begins with referred pain in the centre of the abdomen spreading to the lower right side of the body several hours later. This is followed by loss of appetite, nausea, malaise, vomiting and unpleasant breath.

Upon examination, there is tenderness, rigidity and rebound tenderness.

Early appendectomy, (removal of the appendix is recommended).