Appendicitis is a common and serious medical condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. The main symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to complications such as a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. Researchers are constantly studying the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for appendicitis in order to improve diagnosis and outcomes for patients.