Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, tube-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It is a medical emergency that typically requires prompt surgical removal of the appendix to prevent rupture, which can lead to serious complications like peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining) or abscess formation.

Symptoms of appendicitis often begin with a sudden pain around the navel that later shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain usually becomes sharper and more severe over time. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal swelling. Pain may worsen with movement, coughing, or sneezing.

The exact cause of appendicitis is not always clear, but it can occur when the appendix becomes blocked by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Infection can also cause the appendix to swell and become inflamed.

Diagnosis normally involves a physical examination, blood tests to check for infection, urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections, and imaging tests like an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.

Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendicectomy. This procedure can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive and involves smaller incisions. Antibiotics are often given before surgery to treat infection. Recovery from an appendicectomy typically involves a few weeks of rest and avoiding strenuous activities.