What causes acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis can occur when a piece of food, stool or object becomes trapped in the appendix, causing irritation, inflammation, and the rapid growth of bacteria and infection. 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.

Acute appendicitis can also happen after a gastrointestinal infection. Rarely, a tumor may cause acute appendicitis. Sometimes the cause of acute appendicitis is not known.

What are the risk factors for acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis can occur in any age group or population. However, it most often occurs in teens and young adults. It is rare in children younger than two years of age.  

Risk factors for acute appendicitis include:

  • Being a child older than age two, a teen, or a young adult

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Family history of acute appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

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.... Read more about acute appendicitis introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of acute appendicitis?

Classic symptoms of acute appendicitis include pain in the right lower abdomen, where the appendix is located, that gets progressively sharp and more intense. Pain increases when pressure is put on the area (called the McBurney’s point), and the area becomes even more painful and tender when the pressure is released (rebound tenderness). This is one exam a health care provider uses to diagnosis acute appendicitis.... Read more about acute appendicitis symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is acute appendicitis treated?

Acute appendicitis is a treatable condition. If acute appendicitis is diagnosed and treated promptly before the appendix ruptures, the outcome is generally very good. Treatment for appendicitis includes hospitalization and:... Read more about acute appendicitis treatments

Medical Reviewer: Williams, Robert, MD Last Annual Review Date: Jan 10, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Digestive System, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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