Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform appendix (or just the appendix, for short), a little structure within the lower gastrointestinal tract. In appendicitis, the appendix swells, causing a ...

Lindsay Curtis is a health & medical writer in South Florida. She worked as a communications professional for health nonprofits and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of ...

An inflamed appendix becomes life threatening when not given prompt attention. See how to know if you have appendicitis. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It happens when the worm-like ...

DEAR DOCTOR K: Why do doctors remove the appendix when someone has appendicitis? Don’t we need this organ? DEAR READER: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. This small, fingerlike tube ...

MUNCIE, Ind. – Appendicitis is a common yet potentially serious medical condition that often requires prompt intervention. In fact, it is the most common abdominal surgical emergency in the world. It ...

That sudden pain in your abdomen might just be indigestion—or it could be something far more serious. When it comes to appendicitis, knowing the difference could save your life. This potentially ...

Most of the time, pain in your abdomen is caused by minor issues such as gas, constipation, stress, or a muscle strain. However, if you experience persistent pain that continues to grow worse, moves ...

Appendicitis is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. While the small organ tucked in the lower right abdomen often goes unnoticed, problems can ...

MINNEAPOLIS — Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are ...

Stump appendicitis is a rare complication that occurs when the residual appendix becomes inflamed after an appendectomy. It is estimated to occur in between 0.002% and 0.15% of cases, although it may ...