What is appendicitis?

What is appendicitis?

Appendix is a blind ending, curved appendage attached to the initial part of the colon / caecum /. With its internal surface is covered with cells producing scantily amount mucus that is drained to the caecum. Wall of the appendix contains mostly muscular and lymphatic tissues. The latter is part of the body's immune system and participates in the production of antibodies.

What we call appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It occurs due to various reasons, blocking outflow of the appendix, most often in the accumulation of thick mucus of faeces entered by caecum or expansion of existing lymphatic tissues. Moreover, conditions are created bacteria that normally live and develop in the appendix to break into his wall, and to stimulate the development of inflammation.

In the progression of inflammation may also affect the peritoneum (thin membrane covering the inner surface of the abdomen and most of the bodies located in it), and the appendix ruptures, in which its contents can be poured into the free abdominal cavity.

In the United States developed acute appendicitis year 1 in every 500 people. At the global aspect of disease affects 6 percent of the population. Particularly often observed in age between 10 and 30 years. Deserves caution in children and elderly because of increased risk of complications.