K35: Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. This condition can occur at any age, but it is more common in people ages 10 to 30. Although the exact causes of acute appendicitis are unclear, it is often linked to a blockage within the appendix, which might be caused by hardened stool, inflammatory bowel disease, or even infections. Classic symptoms of acute appendicitis include a sharp, cramping pain that begins around the belly button and then moves to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The disease can progress rapidly and may lead to complications like rupture of the appendix and abdominal infection, which can be life-threatening. It primarily affects the digestive system.
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