Lindsay Curtis is a health & medical writer in South Florida. She worked as a communications professional for health nonprofits and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of ...

Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform appendix (or just the appendix, for short), a little structure within the lower gastrointestinal tract. In appendicitis, the appendix swells, causing a ...

An inflamed appendix becomes life threatening when not given prompt attention. See how to know if you have appendicitis. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It happens when the worm-like ...

There are four stages of appendicitis, which describe its severity and whether it has caused any complications: simple, supportive, gangrenous, and perforated. These range from mild inflammation ...

DEAR DOCTOR K: Why do doctors remove the appendix when someone has appendicitis? Don’t we need this organ? DEAR READER: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. This small, fingerlike tube ...

A. Most people never think about their appendix – until it's causing them severe pain. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the start of the large intestine on the lower right side ...

Most of the time, pain in your abdomen is caused by minor issues such as gas, constipation, stress, or a muscle strain. However, if you experience persistent pain that continues to grow worse, moves ...

MINNEAPOLIS — Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are ...

If you experience these symptoms, especially if they worsen over time, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately to prevent serious complications. If left untreated, a swollen ...

Stump appendicitis is a rare complication that occurs when the residual appendix becomes inflamed after an appendectomy. It is estimated to occur in between 0.002% and 0.15% of cases, although it may ...