Appendicitis The appendix can become inflamed due to an infection by bacteria or pressure placed on the appendix by a tumour or the walls of a swollen large intestine. It is a major cause of abdominal pain, mainly affecting those under the age of 35. Today the rate of appendicitis has been reduced because of the use of antibiotics and surgery. It can be difficult to diagnose and sometimes patients have their appendix removed to be certain there is no chance of infection. This is possible as the appendix has no real use and the digestive system can function without it. When the appendix is infected by bacteria and breaks open, the bacteria found in the large intestine rush into the body cavity and causes a massive infection. There are few blood vessels in the intestine and so white blood cells can not be delivered to the area quickly enough kill the bacteria and prevent the infection. When this occurs immediate surgery is needed to close the rupture and stop the spread of infection around the body. When the appendix is enlarged due to the pressure of a tumour or another organ emergency surgery is often required. If gas and fluid builds up in the large intestine it will expand and rub on the appendix. In this case a tube needs to be inserted into the appendix to remove the build up and reduce pressure.

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