The appendix might be known as one of the most famously useless organs, but research says that it might be undeserving of such a reputation.

Discover the 4 stages of appendicitis, from early inflammation to life-threatening rupture, and learn 6 warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Once a person is diagnosed with appendicitis (or even strongly suspected of having it), prompt surgery usually is performed. Surgical removal of the appendix is called "appendectomy," and it has ...

If the appendix becomes obstructed, it can cause inflammation and infection. This is what’s known as appendicitis . Treatment most often involves surgical removal of the appendix.

An inflamed appendix can rupture in two to three days after symptoms begin. Even if your symptoms aren't typical (i.e. stabbing abdominal pain), you need to act quickly.

"Inflammation of the appendix sometimes impacts other aspects of the GI tract and the nervous system and leads to nausea and vomiting," says Caudle. These symptoms could mean you're too stressed out: ...

The appendix plays a hidden role in gut health : Shots - Health News A sudden appendectomy as a child made Heather Smith curious about what the appendix is for and why it gets inflamed. Now as an ...

Appendicitis: Symptoms and Treatment. Anatomically, the appendix has low storage capacity and secretes around 2-3mL of mucus daily. Mucilage accumulation occurs when a stony mass, called fecalith, ...

The appendix seems to have no purpose; but when it becomes blocked, infected and inflamed, it can burst, spread infection throughout the abdomen and potentially kill.

The Mayo Clinic describes appendicitis as the inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped "pouch" that extends out from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.