Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix (a small sac of tissue attached to the large intestine). An infected appendix becomes filled with fluid and may burst open, causing a serious infection called peritonitis.

A person who has appendicitis feels a steady pain in the abdominal region. The pain from the appendicitis is felt around the navel and moves down the lower right side of the hip. The other symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation, and fever. A physician must be consulted immediately when these symptoms are experienced.