Appendicitis

When the appendix, a tube-shaped organ at the bottom of the large intestine, becomes infected or inflamed, the result is an attack of appendicitis. Not only is an inflamed appendix painful, if it isn’t taken out it can rupture and cause peritonitis, a dangerous, even life-threatening infection. But prompt treatment of appendicitis can help you avoid complications.

Appendicitis can be tricky to identify. Different people may feel the pain in different locations -- most commonly it’s in the stomach, but you can feel it on your side or back. Children and pregnant women are particularly likely to experience the pain in an atypical spot. The pain may not even be that severe. If you have a feeling that something isn’t right, you should trust your instincts.