What is a common term for inflammation of the appendix?

The term for inflammation of the appendix is appendicitis. This condition typically arises when the appendix becomes blocked, leading to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent inflammation. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right quadrant, fever, and nausea. Appendicitis is a medical emergency and usually requires surgical intervention to remove the inflamed appendix, known as an appendectomy.

The other terms listed refer to inflammation in different parts of the digestive system: cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, and diverticulitis is the inflammation of diverticula in the colon. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing and addressing abdominal pain correctly in clinical practice.