What are appendicitis tests?Appendicitis is an inflammation or infection of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It's located in the lower right side of your abdomen. The appendix has no known function, but appendicitis can cause serious health problems if not treated.Appendicitis happens when there is some kind of blockage in the appendix. A blockage can be caused by stool, a parasite, or other foreign substance. When the appendix is blocked, bacteria build up inside it, leading to pain, swelling, and infection. If not treated promptly, the appendix can burst, spreading infection throughout your body. A burst appendix is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition.Appendicitis is very common, mostly affecting teens and adults in their early twenties, but it can happen at any age. Appendicitis tests help diagnose the condition, so it can be treated before the appendix bursts. The main treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix.
