Definition: The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the large intestine (colon). This is located in the lower right portion of hte abdomen. It has no known function.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Once this inflammation starts, there is no effective medical therapy, thus appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms of appendicitis may include
- Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, then moving to the lower right area
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Inability to pass gas
- Low fever that begins after other symptoms
- Abdominal swelling (bloating)
Pronunciation: uh-PEN-duh-sahy-tis
