Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ located on the lower right side of your abdomen, connected to the large intestine.
When it becomes inflamed, the appendix swells and fills with pus, a thick, infectious fluid.
If left untreated, this inflamed appendix can rupture, releasing pus into the abdominal cavity and causing a severe infection.
What Causes Appendicitis?
Appendicitis typically occurs when the opening of the appendix (the lumen) gets blocked, preventing it from draining properly. This blockage leads to swelling, infection, and pus buildup.
Several factors can cause this blockage, including:
- Fecaliths (hardened stool)
- Lymphoid hyperplasia (enlargement of lymphatic tissue in the appendix)
- Digestive tract infections (such as viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections)
- Tumors (both cancerous and noncancerous) in the appendix or colon
- Appendicoliths (hardened stool and mineral deposits)
- Abdominal trauma
- Swallowed foreign objects (though rare), like fruit seeds (e.g., from oranges, melons, or grapes)
Once the appendix becomes blocked, it swells, becomes painful, and fills with pus.
What Is Pus?
Pus is a thick, yellowish-white fluid made up of bacteria, dead white blood cells, and tissue debris. As pus accumulates in the inflamed appendix, the pressure inside the organ increases, which can disrupt blood flow. This might lead to necrosis (tissue death). If left untreated, the appendix could rupture or burst open. If it ruptures, the pus can form an abscess around the appendix or leak into the abdominal cavity, resulting in a serious, potentially life-threatening infection called peritonitis.
Can the Appendix Rupture?
It’s not always possible to predict whether an inflamed appendix will rupture, but certain factors can increase the risk. Studies show that appendicoliths (hardened stool and mineral deposits) are more likely to lead to rupture than other types of blockages, such as fecaliths.
People at greater risk of appendix rupture include those who:
- Are over 60 years old
- Have a fever above 99.1°F ()
- Show signs of guarding (tensing of the abdominal muscles when pressure is applied to the painful area)
- Have a high white blood cell count
- Experience pain lasting more than 24 hours
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like rupture and infection.
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