Acute Appendicitis

What is acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is a rapidly progressing inflammation of a small part of the large intestine called the appendix. The appendix is a pouch-like structure located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen near the area where the small intestine joins the large intestine. The exact function of the appendix is not known.

Acute appendicitis is a common and serious condition that requires immediate surgery for treatment. In acute appendicitis, the appendix swells and begins to fill with rapidly growing bacteria and pus. This results in the hallmark symptoms of acute appendicitis including pain in the right lower area of the abdomen and fever. However, not all people with acute appendicitis will experience typical symptoms.

Acute appendicitis is a medical emergency that generally requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent life-threatening complications, such as ruptured appendix and peritonitis (infection of the membrane that lines your inner abdomen).

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms of acute appendicitis, such as fever and abdominal pain.