Keep reading to learn all about appendicitis. Appendicitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the appendix. This inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a blockage or an infection of the intestine. Your appendix is a small finger-shaped branch off your large intestine, in the lower right part of your abdomen . The appendix really has no purpose, so if a kid needs to have it removed, it's no big deal.
Some researchers think that many, many years ago, people did use the appendix to digest food.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.