Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed. This condition can result from a blockage, often caused by stool, a foreign body, or cancer, which leads to increased pressure, reduced blood flow, and bacterial growth within the appendix. Common symptoms of appendicitis include sudden abdominal pain that typically begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Some individuals may also experience abdominal swelling and difficulty passing gas.

To diagnose appendicitis, healthcare providers perform a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and use imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scans to confirm inflammation and assess the appendix's condition. Blood tests are often conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation. Once diagnosed, appendicitis is generally treated through an appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the inflamed appendix. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications like rupture, which can lead to more severe infections. In some cases, antibiotics may be administered prior to surgery to manage infection.