Why appendix

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Appendicitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Appendicitis The appendix is a narrow, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from the colon. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Appendicitis. Accessed May 4, Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.

American College of Surgeons. Martin RF. Acute appendicitis in adults: Clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis. Open surgery, where a larger, single cut is made in the abdomen, is usually used if the appendix has burst or access is more difficult.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to make a full recovery after your appendix has been removed. But strenuous activities may need to be avoided for up to 6 weeks after having open surgery. It's not clear what causes appendicitis. In many cases it may be that something blocks the entrance of the appendix. For example, it could become blocked by a small piece of poo, or an upper respiratory tract infection could cause the lymph node within the wall of the bowel to become swollen. If the obstruction causes inflammation and swelling, it could lead to increased pressure within the appendix, which may then burst.

As the causes of appendicitis are not fully understood, there's no guaranteed way of preventing it. Appendicitis is a common condition. In England, around 50, people are admitted to hospital with appendicitis each year. You can get appendicitis at any age, but it usually affects young people aged between 10 and 20 years.

Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February We know, for the most part, the purpose for most organs in the human body. But what about the appendix? Sometimes, however, there is no blockage responsible for the inflammation. Other symptoms of appendicitis can include: Sudden pain that starts around the navel and shifts to the lower-right side of the abdomen. Pregnant women may experience pain from the upper abdomen, as the appendix shifts during pregnancy.

Loss of appetite. Abdominal bloating. Nausea and vomiting. Constipation and diarrhea. A low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses. The earlier appendicitis is diagnosed, the better the outcome for the patient. There are times, however, when appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics rather than surgery. Patients must meet very strict criteria to be considered for this alternate therapy option.

If treatment does not work or there is a recurrence, surgery is always a backup. This is an unproven theory, as are most theories about the function of the appendix.