Appendicitis

Picture of appendicitis and location of appendix

Appendicitis is a common reason for belly pain. It happens when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed.

Your appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac that is attached to your large intestine. Experts do not know what the appendix does in the body. Most of the time it does not cause problems.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last RevisedApril 5, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 5, 2011
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

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