Appendicitis

Appendicitis is what occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed due to an infection or blockage, and the typical treatment for this condition is the surgical removal of the organ via an appendectomy. Nearly every case of appendix removal is emergency surgery, as immediate attention is needed when symptoms are present to prevent an inflamed appendix from bursting and spilling infectious material throughout the abdominal cavity. Such an occurrence can lead to peritonitis, which is a potentially life-threatening infection. Signs that you or your child may be suffering from appendicitis include abdominal pain and swelling, a mild fever of between 99 and 102 degrees F, an inability to pass gas, nausea and sometimes vomiting.