Side sickness was the historical name for a condition we now know as appendicitis.
Understanding Side Sickness (Appendicitis)
During the Middle Ages, "side sickness" referred to the infection of the appendix. According to historical records, this condition could lead to serious complications like sepsis and potentially death if surgical intervention wasn't available.
| Term | Modern Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sickness | Appendicitis | Inflammation of the appendix, which can be life-threatening without treatment. |
Appendicitis remains a serious condition today, requiring prompt medical attention, typically involving surgical removal of the appendix. The lack of such interventions in the Middle Ages made "side sickness" a far more dangerous and often fatal ailment.
