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May 24, 2013
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Appendicitis (cont.)

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Appendicitis Causes

There is no clear cause of appendicitis. Fecal material is thought to be one possible cause of obstruction of the appendix. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can result in infection, leading to the swelling of the tissues of the appendix wall. The various infecting organisms include Yersinia species, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, actinomycosis, Mycobacteria species, Histoplasma species, Schistosoma species, pinworms, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Swelling of the tissue from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease also may cause appendicitis. Appendicitis is not a hereditary disease and is not transmittable from person to person.

Appendicitis Picture - Inflammation of the Appendix

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Appendicitis - Symptoms

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Appendicitis »

The appendix is a wormlike extension of the cecum and, for this reason, has been called the vermiform appendix.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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