Quick Facts
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is inflammation (swelling) and infection of your appendix. The appendix is a small finger-shaped organ attached to your large intestine.
The appendix is an organ that doesn’t have a necessary function. You don't need your appendix to live a healthy life.
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Appendicitis is most common in teens and young adults and rare before the age of 1
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Symptoms include belly pain (usually in the lower right belly), low fever (100 to 101° F [37.7° to 38.3° C]), and throwing up
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It can be hard for doctors to tell if your child has appendicitis or another problem—they'll do blood tests and ultrasound
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Appendicitis is a medical emergency and your child will need surgery
