(HealthDay News) -- The appendix is a tube-like organ, with no known purpose, attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis describes when the appendix becomes inflamed, making it prone to rupturing, which is a serious medical emergency.

You should seek medical attention at once if you have symptoms in the following list, provided by the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

  • Abdominal pain, particularly pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Diarrhea, constipation or difficulty passing gas.
  • Low fever that begins after other symptoms start.
  • Swelling in the abdomen.