What is the common age range for appendicitis?

Generally, appendicitis most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults, particularly among individuals aged 10 to 30. Although it can occur at any age, the incidence is relatively lower outside this age range. The specific analysis is as follows:

Anatomically, lymphoid tissue in the appendix is highly active in people aged 10–30, making them prone to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. Since the appendix has a narrow lumen, this hyperplastic lymphoid tissue can compress the lumen, leading to obstruction. Obstruction increases intraluminal pressure, promotes bacterial proliferation, and subsequently triggers inflammation—this is one of the primary pathogenic mechanisms of appendicitis. Additionally, dietary patterns in this age group may involve insufficient fiber intake, which facilitates fecalith formation. Fecaliths can obstruct the appendiceal lumen and are a common cause of appendicitis, further increasing disease incidence in this population.

Although appendicitis is less common in other age groups, vigilance is still required. In children, the appendiceal wall is thinner; once obstruction occurs, inflammation progresses rapidly, increasing the risk of perforation. In elderly patients, physiological responses are often blunted, so symptoms during an attack may be atypical—such as mild or absent abdominal pain and insignificant fever—leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, older adults frequently have underlying comorbidities, making management more challenging.

Therefore, individuals aged 10–30 who experience symptoms such as migratory right lower quadrant abdominal pain and fever should be alert for appendicitis and seek prompt medical evaluation. Similarly, individuals in other age groups should not ignore similar symptoms, as overlooking the condition due to age-related assumptions may lead to adverse outcomes.