If the appendix becomes infected (appendicitis), the infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy) before a hole develops in the appendix (perforation) and spreads the infection to the entire abdominal space (peritonitis).

Symptoms of acute appendicitis include:

• pain: abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
• fever (elevated temperature)
• reduced appetite (anorexia)
• nausea; vomiting

The doctor will:

• check your abdomen for tenderness and tightness
• check your rectum for tenderness and an enlarged appendix
• check your blood for an increase in white blood cells (WBC)
• perform a pelvic exam in women, to exclude pain caused by the ovaries or uterus

There is no test to confirm appendicitis and the symptoms may be caused by other illnesses. The doctor must diagnose from the information you report and what he sees. Even if the surgeon finds that the appendix is not infected (which can happen up to 25% of the time), he will thoroughly check the other abdominal organs and remove the appendix anyway.

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