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Appendicitis

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition characterised by the inflammation of the appendix, a small organ on the lower right side of the abdomen. It occurs when the appendix becomes obstructed, which could be due to stool, foreign objects, infections, or swollen lymph nodes, leading to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation, resulting in pain, swelling, and a potential infection. If left untreated, appendicitis can progress to appendix rupture, a severe and potentially life-threatening complication. This rupture can allow the appendix’s contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, leading to a condition known as peritonitis.

Types of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is generally classified into two main types based on its progression and severity:

Acute Appendicitis:

This is the most common type of appendicitis, characterised by sudden and severe inflammation of the appendix. Prompt medical intervention is crucial, with the standard treatment being surgical removal through an appendix operation or appendectomy.

Chronic Appendicitis:

Also known as recurrent appendicitis, it is less common. In chronic appendicitis, the inflammation is milder and may not always exhibit the classic symptoms of acute appendicitis.