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Appendicitis Attack
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that 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 are able to recover without problems. However, if treatment is delayed, the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death.
Pain in the abdomen (stomach) is one of the early symptoms of an appendicitis attack. The pain may first appear around the belly button and then move toward the lower-right area of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Inability to pass gas.
(For the full eMedTV article, click Appendicitis. Topics covered in this resource include other symptoms, a list of potential complications, common causes of a blocked appendix, and more.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD