The vermiform appendix is a tubular extension of the large intestine (colon) and it is considered to have a role in the process of digestion. The actual function of the appendix is not exactly known, but its absence doesn't cause any changes inside the organism. Appendicitis occurs due to strangulation or obstruction of the vermiform appendix. The appendix can either be blocked by feces or it can be pressed against by swollen lymph nodes. The appendix gradually stops receiving blood and it eventually dies. Bacteria accumulate inside the appendix and cause inflammation and swelling. Acute appendicitis may lead to complications such as perforation of the appendix and sepsis (severe bacterial infection). In rare cases, abdominal traumatic injuries can also lead to the development of appendicitis. In some people, genetic predispositions to appendicitis can also facilitate the occurrence of the illness.

Appendicitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute appendicitis develops faster and the presence of the illness is easier to detect. Chronic appendicitis is slower to evolve and it is more difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms of appendicitis are intense, continuous abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea and fever. The pain usually begins in the umbilical region of the abdomen and later shifts to the right lower side. The abdominal pain characteristic to acute appendicitis intensifies with physical effort.

An interesting aspect of appendicitis is that it can be very difficult to detect and diagnose correctly, due to the unspecific character of its symptoms. In some cases, the patients might not have any symptoms at all (elderly people, people that have previously suffered surgical interventions, people with HIV, people with diabetes and overweight people). The form of appendicitis that generates no specific symptoms is called atypical appendicitis. The rate of mortality among patients with atypical appendicitis is very high.

Anyone can develop appendicitis, regardless of age and sex. However, the illness has a higher incidence in men. Also, children with ages between 3-15 are exposed the most to developing acute appendicitis. Elderly people and patients with special conditions usually develop atypical acute appendicitis.

If appendicitis is discovered in time and treated appropriately, the patients fully recover within weeks. However, if the illness is discovered late, it may lead to serious complications (perforation, gangrene, sepsis).

Although appendicitis can't be effectively prevented, it is thought that a diet rich in fibers may reduce the chances of developing the illness. According to statistics, appendicitis affects about 6-7 percent of the population in the United States and Europe. Statistics also indicate that in the last decade both the number of people diagnosed with appendicitis and the mortality rate of the patients have considerably decreased. However, appendicitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening if it is not treated in time.