Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Appendicitis risk factors
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Identifying risk factors that predict the likelihood of complications is a crucial step in managing appendicitis. Appendicitis is most common among people in the age group of 10 to 30 years old. Appendicitis leads to more emergency abdominal surgeries than any other cause.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- The most common cases of appendicitis occur between the ages of 10 and 30 years, and it is the most likely cause of acute abdomen pain in the United States, with a 5-20% chance of lifetime risk.[1][2]
In Adults
Common risk factors for adults include:[2]
- Steroid use
- Diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
In Children
Common risk factors in children include:[1]
- Appendicitis results in the most common need for emergency abdominal surgery.
- A family history of appendicitis increases the child’s risk, especially in males.
- Male children with cystic fibrosis are at an even higher risk.
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Appendicitis – The University of Chicago Medicine”. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Margenthaler JA, Longo WE, Virgo KS, Johnson FE, Oprian CA, Henderson WG, Daley J, Khuri SF (2003). “Risk factors for adverse outcomes after the surgical treatment of appendicitis in adults”. Ann. Surg. 238 (1): 59–66. doi:10.1097/01.SLA.0000074961.50020.f8. PMC 1422654. PMID 12832966.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farwa Haideri [2]