Points to Remember About Appendicitis

• The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the colon. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix.
  
  
• Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.
  
  
• Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, inability to pass gas, low-grade fever, and abdominal swelling. Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms.
  
  
• Physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging tests are used to diagnose appendicitis.
  
  
• Acute appendicitis is treated by surgery to remove the appendix.
  
  
• The most serious complication of appendicitis is rupture, which can lead to peritonitis and abscess.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/index.htm