Reason of appendix inflammation
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appendicitis AND etiology
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appendicitis causes obstruction fecalith lymphoid hyperplasia Merck Manual
Appendix inflammation is called appendicitis. It usually starts when the inside of the appendix gets blocked. This lets mucus and bacteria build up, causing swelling, reduced blood flow, infection, and sometimes rupture.
Common reasons for blockage include:
- Appendicolith/fecalith: a small hard piece of stool, often the most common mechanical cause.
- Swollen lymph tissue in the appendix, often after a viral or gastrointestinal infection. This is especially common in children and young adults.
- Less commonly: parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, a foreign body, or a tumor.
It is not simply caused by eating spicy food, seeds, or poor hygiene. A low-fiber dietary pattern may be associated with risk, but it is not a direct proven cause for an individual. A recent systematic review examined diet-related risk factors.
Seek urgent medical care for worsening pain that moves to the lower-right abdomen, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal guarding, or severe pain. A burst appendix can cause a serious abdominal infection.
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