Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen causes appendicitis. Mucus backs up in the appendiceal lumen, causing bacteria that normally live inside the appendix to multiply. As a result, the appendix swells and becomes infected. Sources of obstruction include:
Feces, parasites, or growths that clog the appendiceal lumen. Enlarged lymph tissue in the wall of the appendix, caused by infection in the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere in the body Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis Trauma to the abdomen.
An inflamed appendix will likely burst if not removed. Bursting spreads infection throughout the abdomen—a potentially dangerous condition called peritonitis.
What causes Appendicitis?
Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen causes appendicitis. {{ORGANIZATION}} backs up in the appendiceal lumen, causing bacteria that normally live inside the appendix to multiply. As a result, the appendix swells and becomes infected. Sources of obstruction include:
Feces, parasites, or growths that clog the appendiceal lumen. Enlarged lymph tissue in the wall of the appendix, caused by infection in the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere in the body {{ORGANIZATION}} bowel disease, including {{ORGANIZATION}}'s disease and ulcerative colitis Trauma to the abdomen.
An inflamed appendix will likely burst if not removed. Bursting spreads infection throughout the abdomen—a potentially dangerous condition called peritonitis.