|
Overview
Appendicitis
is inflammation of the appendix. It is thought that appendicitisbegins when the
opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked. The blockage may be
due to a build-up of thick mucus within the appendix or to stool that enters the
appendix from the cecum. The mucus or stool hardens, becomes rock-like, and blocks
the opening. This rock is called a fecalith. At
other times, the lymphatic tissue in the appendix may swell and block the appendix.
Bacteria that normally are found within the appendixthen begin to invade (infect)
the wall of the appendix. The body responds to the invasion by mounting an attack
on the bacteria, an attack called inflammation. If
the inflammation and infection spread through the wall of the appendix, the appendix
can rupture. After rupture, infection can spread throughout the abdomen; however,
it usually is confined to a small area surrounding the appendix (forming a peri-appendiceal
abscess). <<back |