What Is the Appendix?
The appendix is a closed, narrow tube that attaches to the first part of the colon, with the open central core of the appendix draining into the colon. There is no known purpose for the organ in the body’s function.
But this worm-like organ can become inflamed, causing gradually increasing pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. As it gets more and more severe, a medical emergency can ensue, creating a life-threatening situation in some cases. That’s when surgery is required.
No one knows what causes appendicitis. Theories on why it happens include blockages by feces, a foreign object or tumor. This causes pus to accumulate, leading to inflammation and pain.
The good news is that appendicitis is not contagious. The bad news is there is no way to control it, beyond eating more fiber to ensure the swift passage of materials through the colon.
Although appendicitis can strike at any age, it most frequently occurs in younger people between the ages of 10 and 30 and is the most common reason for surgery among children. Men get the condition more than women, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that about 5 percent of the American population will get appendicitis. The only treatment is surgical removal of the offending organ.