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Appendicitis: Infections
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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, fingerlike tube that hangs from the lower right side of the large intestine. The purpose of the appendix is not known. It usually becomes inflamed because of an infection or an obstruction in the digestive tract. If untreated, an infected appendix can burst and spread the infection throughout the abdominal cavity and into the bloodstream.
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Appendicitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the vermiform appendix that spreads to its other parts. Appendicitis may occur for several reasons, such as an infection of the appendix, but the most important step is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen.
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Appendicitis may be caused either by bacterial inflammation or by a viral infection occurring in the digestive tract. A bacterial infection can happen by a rigid particle of stool blocking its passageway causing pressure upon the blood vessels in the area. The inflammation can cause infection, a blood clot, or rupture of the appendix.
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Appendicitis may ... follow an infection, such as a gastrointestinal viral infection, or it may result from other types of inflammation. In both cases, bacteria may subsequently invade rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, your appendix eventually may rupture.
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Appendicitis is treated by surgically removing the appendix as soon as possible. If the diagnosis is not certain, the doctor may carefully monitor your condition for 6 to 12 hours before operating. You will ... be given antibiotics to fight infection.
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The cause of appendicitis is not fully understood. However, in most cases, a blockage inside the appendix probably starts a process. The blockage may be from a small, hard piece of stool, a foreign body, rarely even worms. As a result of the blockage, the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. If inflammation continues without treatment, the appendix can rupture. A ruptured appendix spills bacteria-laden intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis (inflammation and usually infection of the abdominal cavity), which may result in a life-threatening infection.
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