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Appendicitis (Lower Right and Center Abdomen)

The appendix is a small organ with no known functions that is attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is an infection in the appendix that causes swelling and severe pain in the middle and on the lower right side of the abdomen. Early signs of appendicitis include a sudden, sharp pain in the center of the abdomen that gets worse when you move around, cough, or laugh.

Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention to avoid serious complications, including a burst appendix, which can be fatal. Surgery to remove the appendix is the only treatment for appendicitis. Fortunately, the organ does not have any essential functions, so its removal shouldn’t negatively impact health.