Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon SymptomsCausesOther ConditionsHow Long Before It Bursts?ChecksWhen to Go to the HospitalNext in Appendicitis GuideWhat Causes Appendicitis?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Symptoms
Causes
Other Conditions
How Long Before It Bursts?
Checks
When to Go to the Hospital
Next in Appendicitis Guide
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom ofappendicitis. The pain usually starts around the belly button before traveling to thelower right side of the abdomen. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bowel habit changes, loss of appetite, and fever.
This article highlights the symptoms of appendicitis, including a general timeline for symptom progression. Insight into conditions that may mimic appendicitis and steps you should take if you suspect appendicitis will also be reviewed.
What Is Appendicitis?Appendicitis occurs when theappendix, a tiny, finger-shaped organ attached to thelarge intestines, becomes inflamed and infected. If not treated, the appendix can rupture or burst open, spilling infectious contents into the abdominal cavity.
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis occurs when theappendix, a tiny, finger-shaped organ attached to thelarge intestines, becomes inflamed and infected. If not treated, the appendix can rupture or burst open, spilling infectious contents into the abdominal cavity.
What Are the Most Common Appendicitis Symptoms?
Abdominal pain is a universal symptom of appendicitis. It’s classically felt around or near the belly button before traveling or migrating to the lower right side of the belly. This migration (movement) of pain typically occurs over 12 to 24 hours.
The symptoms of appendicitis, especially early on, tend to be subtle. The pain typically starts as crampy, mild, and intermittent before becoming sharp and constant over several hours. For some people, though, the pain may begin suddenly, becoming severe within minutes.
Pain Symptoms in AppendicitisClassically, appendicitis pain has these characteristics:A vague pain near your belly buttonSudden pain that “moves” to the lower right
Pain Symptoms in Appendicitis
Classically, appendicitis pain has these characteristics:A vague pain near your belly buttonSudden pain that “moves” to the lower right
Classically, appendicitis pain has these characteristics:
Besides abdominal pain, other symptoms of appendicitis include:
Keep in mind appendicitis symptoms may differ based on the precise place of the appendix within the abdomen. While the appendix’s base is always attached to the large intestines, its tip varies in location.
For example, if the tip of the appendix is next to the rectum, appendicitis may be associated withtenesmus(frequent urge to pass stool when the bowels are empty). Likewise, if the appendix tip is in the pelvis, a person may complain ofdysuria(burning with urination) and urinary frequency from appendicitis.
Appendicitis Symptoms in Children
Appendicitis rarely occurs in babies or preschool-aged children. It becomes more common in children over age 5.
The symptoms of appendicitis in children may be vague or nonspecific (can be symptoms of a number of different conditions). While fever, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea may be present, the abdominal pain may not migrate and can be felt on both sides of the abdomen.
In addition, children sometimes complain of atypical appendicitis symptoms, like right hip pain or trouble walking. Their symptoms also progress faster than adults, and they can have difficulty communicating them.
Appendicitis in Kids
What Is the Most Common Cause of Appendicitis?
An obstruction within the appendix is believed to be the primary cause of appendicitis.
As a result of the obstruction, the appendix becomes filled with mucus and bacteria and begins swelling from the increased pressure.
Eventually, the tension within the inflamed appendix can impact its blood supply, resulting innecrosis(tissue death).
An inflamed and necrotic appendix is at risk forruptureand subsequent complications, such as:
The Stages of Appendicitis
What Can Be Mistaken for Appendix Pain
Several health conditions may cause pain in the lower right side of the belly, resembling appendicitis.
Examples of such conditions include:
Various tests, likewhite blood cell count,urinalysis, and an imaging test of the abdomen, can help rule out alternative diagnoses to appendicitis.
Imaging tests used include:
All said, even with these tests and after a physical exam and considering a person’s symptoms, a diagnosis of appendicitis can still be missed or delayed.The imaging tests may not be conclusive, or a person’s symptoms may be mistaken for more common conditions like stomach flu or constipation.
Is it Gas or Appendicitis? How to Tell the Difference
TerminologyIn the following discussion, female refers to people with gynecologic reproductive organs, which may include a uterus, ovaries, or vagina. When citing a reference, the terms for gender or sex from that source will be used.
Terminology
In the following discussion, female refers to people with gynecologic reproductive organs, which may include a uterus, ovaries, or vagina. When citing a reference, the terms for gender or sex from that source will be used.
Appendicitis-Like Symptoms in Females
Diagnosing appendicitis in females can be particularly challenging because symptoms may be atypical or overlap with those of various gynecologic conditions.
One study found that a missed diagnosis of appendicitis was more likely to occur in females, regardless of age (child or adult).
In females, appendicitis pain may be felt on both sides of the belly and the upper abdomen during pregnancy.
Symptoms of the following gynecologic conditions may mimic those of appendicitis:
To help distinguish between appendicitis and the above gynecologic diseases, females with possible appendicitis are usually given apelvic examination. A pregnancy test is also performed in females of childbearing age.
Pelvic Pain
How Long Can You Have Symptoms Before an Appendix Bursts?
The precise timing for when an appendix may rupture is impossible to predict.
As such, experts tend to recommend performing an appendectomy within 12 to 18 hours of a person going to the emergency room with appendicitis symptoms.
Symptoms of Appendix RuptureSymptoms of appendicitis can last between 24 and 72 hours or more before the inflamed appendix ruptures.Appendix rupture symptomsmay include:Severe abdominal painHigh feverShivering or shaking uncontrollably (rigors)Low blood pressureFast heart rateNausea and vomiting
Symptoms of Appendix Rupture
Symptoms of appendicitis can last between 24 and 72 hours or more before the inflamed appendix ruptures.Appendix rupture symptomsmay include:Severe abdominal painHigh feverShivering or shaking uncontrollably (rigors)Low blood pressureFast heart rateNausea and vomiting
Symptoms of appendicitis can last between 24 and 72 hours or more before the inflamed appendix ruptures.Appendix rupture symptomsmay include:
How Do You Check Yourself for Appendicitis?
Appendicitis cannot be diagnosed at home, but you can check for symptoms and seek medical attention if one or more are present.
For example, abdominal pain that is worsening, severe, or felt in the lower right side of your belly warrants immediate medical evaluation.
A “positive” sign means the maneuver reproduces lower right-side abdominal pain. Its presence may further support possible appendicitis.
Understanding Chronic Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If not promptly treated, an inflamed and infected appendix can rupture and cause a potentially life-threatening infection in the abdomen or throughout the body.
It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of appendicitis.Treatment of appendicitismost commonly involves surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy). In some cases, antibiotics alone may be sufficient.
What Is the Recovery Time for Appendicitis Surgery?
Summary
Abdominal painis present in nearly all cases of appendicitis. The pain’s location, intensity, and onset may vary among individuals. However, the pain classically starts around the belly button before traveling to the lower right side, becoming constant, severe, and sharp. Other appendicitis symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency, as an inflamed appendix can burst open, causing life-threatening complications. Seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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