Final answer:
After the onset of pain in appendicitis, if untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to the potential for the appendix to burst and cause peritonitis. Immediate medical treatment, typically an appendectomy, is necessary to prevent severe complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
During appendicitis, after the initial development of severe stomach pain, if not treated promptly the appendix can become increasingly inflamed. This can lead to a risk of the appendix bursting. If the appendix bursts, it may result in peritonitis, a severe inflammation of the abdominal cavity's lining (the peritoneum) that can lead to widespread infection. Immediate medical treatment, commonly an appendectomy, is required to remove the infected appendix and prevent complications such as peritonitis.
Surgeons may perform an appendectomy through a traditional open procedure or via laparoscopy, depending on the situation. In any case, prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital. The appendix is a vestigial organ and its removal does not typically result in long-term health problems.