What is appendicitis?

Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that projects out from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. The small structure has no known purpose, but that doesn't mean it can't cause problems. Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The main symptom of appendicitis is pain that typically begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis usually increases over a period of six to 12 hours, and eventually may become very severe. Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it most often strikes people between the ages of 10 and 30. Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency abdominal surgery in children. The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. In many cases the surgery is straightforward, and you recover quickly. But if your appendix has ruptured, the surgery may be more complicated and you'll take longer to heal. A ruptured appendix that's not promptly treated can lead to serious complications such as infection. In rare instances appendicitis that results in a ruptured appendix can be fatal. Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/appendicitis/DS00274