Appendicitis is when the appendix, a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine, becomes blocked and gets infected.
This inflammation causes sharp pain around the belly button or lower right side. Some other symptoms are a mild fever, nausea, vomiting, and a strong urge to urinate. In little children, the abdomen may look big and bloated.
Doctors use blood tests, x-rays, and a CT scan to check the appendix. Surgery to remove the appendix is the only treatment. If it isn't removed, the appendix can burst. This causes the infection to spread through the abdomen and can even cause death.
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- What is Appendicitis? Provides simple illustration and description of the inflammation of the appendix.
- Kids Health: Appendicitis Learn why kids get appendicitis, how it feels, and what doctors do to help.
- TeensHealth: Appendicitis Learn about this condition, including symptoms, how it's treated and what to do to feel better.
- MedlinePlus: Appendicitis Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and possible complications. Includes illustrations of the digestive area and the surgical process.