appendicitis

(ă-pen″dĭ-sīt′ĭs )

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[ appendix + -itis ]
Inflammation of the vermiform appendix, caused by blockage of the lumen of the appendix followed by infection. It may be acute, subacute, or chronic and occasionally is difficult to diagnose because many other illnesses may cause acute abdominal pain.

TREATMENT
Antibiotic therapy is a proven method of treating many patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. People who do not improve with antibiotics or who worsen despite treatment with them should undergo surgical removal of the organ.

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