Sometimes, appendicitis can be caused by fecal matter blocking the appendix. If that happens, stool, pus, and mucus can leak into the abdominal cavity, resulting in a life-threatening infection. At this point, it can develop holes or tears or even burst if not treated. The inflammation blocks blood flow to the appendix, which then starts to die. A viral or bacterial infection causes the appendix to swell and fill with pus. Infection is one of the most common causes of appendicitis. The cause of appendicitis is not always clear, but it’s usually related to one of the following reasons: Appendicitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, usually surgery to remove the appendix. Without treatment, the appendix may rupture, which can lead to a serious infection known as peritonitis. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by an infection or blockage.Īppendicitis can occur at any age but is most common in people aged 10 to 30. Though its function is still being studied, the appendix is usually only thought of when something goes wrong with it, resulting in appendicitis. While it used to be thought to have no function, some studies have shown that it may have a purpose in healthy immune system function by acting as a storage space for beneficial gut bacteria. The treatment for a ruptured appendix is immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean the infection out of your abdominal cavity. The appendix is a small organ located in the lower right of your abdomen. Peritonitis is an inflammation in the lining of your abdomen. If your appendix ruptures, the infection will leak into your abdominal cavity and cause peritonitis. Untreated appendicitis can lead to a ruptured, or burst, appendix. Symptoms of a burst appendix include pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. The appendix is a small organ located in the lower right of your abdomen.

How to know if your appendix burst