Appendicitis is not an inherited condition, but genetics may play a role. However, the cause of appendicitis is often unclear.

Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. An infection may develop, and the appendix can burst without prompt treatment. It is important to seek immediate medical help if there are concern about appendicitis.

Certain factors, such as having a family history of acute appendicitis, may increase the likelihood of developing appendicitis.

Read on for more information about appendicitis and genetics, other causes of appendicitis, and more.

Appendicitis is not hereditary. This means that a parent does not directly pass on the condition to their children.

However, a 2022 study suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of appendicitis. In particular, there could be links between the HLX and CTSB genes and a person’s risk of appendicitis.

According to the study, people with appendicitis have higher levels of HLX in their appendix compared with people without appendicitis. The CTSB gene appears to be more active in the appendix tissue of those with appendicitis.

More research is necessary to better understand the possible link between genetics and appendicitis.

While genetics may increase the likelihood of developing appendicitis, the actual cause of the condition is often unclear.

Some possible causes of appendicitis include:

  • having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • blockage at the opening inside the appendix due to hardened stool or a growth
  • infection in the digestive tract or elsewhere in the body causing enlarged tissue in the appendix wall

It is not possible to completely prevent appendicitis.

However, you may be able to take some steps to help reduce the risk. For example, hard stool can block the opening of the inside of the appendix, which may lead to appendicitis. Consuming plenty of fiber and water can help lower this risk.

Some examples of high fiber foods include:

  • whole grain and bran cereals
  • peanut butter
  • whole wheat bread and pasta
  • apples
  • broccoli
  • cabbage
  • potatoes with skin
  • sweet potato
  • corn
  • granola
  • nuts
  • popcorn

Managing IBD such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may also help.

It is not possible to detect appendicitis before it develops. This means that, while certain genetics may increase the likelihood of developing appendicitis, there are currently no tests to predict the condition in advance.

However, being aware of early warning signs and symptoms of appendicitis may help with diagnosing and treating the condition as early as possible. People with acute appendicitis typically require emergency treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Pain associated with acute appendicitis typically begins as a dull pain in the abdomen. The pain may then travel to the lower right side of your abdomen.

The pain may wake you up if you are sleeping. It may also worsen when walking or coughing.

Other symptoms can vary, but may include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • increased or sudden need to urinate
  • generally feeling unwell
  • fever

You may not experience every symptom, and other symptoms may also develop.

Seek medical help as soon as you have concerns about appendicitis. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many people recover within 24 to 48 hours.

In the United States, there are around 300,000 hospital visits each year for appendicitis. It most commonly occurs in individuals between the age of 5 and 45 years, but it can develop at any age.

A 2012 study of people with and without appendicitis found that 37.9% of the people with appendicitis had a relative who had had the condition. However, more research is necessary to determine how common appendicitis is in families.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of appendicitis. Getting surgery as quickly as possible can help reduce the risk of a burst appendix.

Speak with a doctor if you have concerns about appendicitis, whether or not a family member has had the condition. Your doctor can provide you with more information about the risk factors and possible ways to lower the risk.

While appendicitis is not an inherited condition, some research suggests that genes may play a role in the development of the condition.

Currently there is no way to predict whether somebody will develop appendicitis, but taking steps to manage causes may help. This can include eating a high fiber diet to help prevent hard stool from blocking the opening of the appendix.

Other causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as infection that causes the lining of the appendix to become enlarged.

Prompt surgery can help reduce the likelihood of a burst appendix and related complications. Seek medical help as soon as you experience symptoms of appendicitis. The pain typically begins around the abdomen, before traveling to the lower right side. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms may also develop.