Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Once it starts, there is no effective medical therapy, so appendicitis is considered a medical emergency. When treated promptly, most patients recover without difficulty. If treatment is delayed the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen

WHO IS MOST AT RISK

Anyone can get appendicitis, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30. it is most commonly seen in the second decade of life (adolescence) through it can occur in any age group. The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix known as the lumen. The blockage leads to increased pressure impaired blood flow, and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix can result.

Most commonly faeces blocks the inside of the appendix. Also bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and cause obstruction. Traumatic injury to the abdomen may lead to appendicitis in a small number of people. Genetics may be a factor in others. For example appendicitis that runs in families may result from a genetic variant that predisposes a person to appendix.