Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It occurs most often in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The condition is considered a medical emergency, and treatment often involves surgery to remove the appendix. When appendicitis is treated promptly, most patients recover without difficulty. If treatment is delayed, however, the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Possible
symptoms of appendicitis include:
In order to make a diagnosis of appendicitis, doctors will need to perform a physical exam, ask for a medical history, and order certain tests.
- Laboratory tests
- Imaging tests (computed tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray)
- Surgery.
(Click Appendicitis to read the full eMedTV article that provides an in-depth look at the condition, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.)
