The appendix has no known function, but it can become diseased. Appendicitis affects 1 in 500 people each year.
Symptoms vary widely.
Appendicitis should be considered in any person with undiagnosed abdominal pain. The incidence peaks between ages 15 and 24. Pain becomes persistent and well-localized. It worsens with moving, breathing deeply, coughing, sneezing, walking or being touched. Nausea and sometimes vomiting.