- Research suggests the appendix may provide a home to "friendly bacteria" that aid digestion and help fight infection. It is thought that the most common causes of appendicitis are infection and obstruction, although in many cases there is no obvious cause
- The symptoms of appendicitis normally begin with a pain in the stomach. The pain develops quickly and then gets more severe. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, high temperature, and diarrhoea
- The condition is regarded as a medical emergency because a ruptured appendix can lead to potentially serious or even fatal complications, such as blood poisoning
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