Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. It can cause sudden abdominal pain and needs prompt medical attention because an untreated appendix can burst and lead to serious complications.
Knowing the common appendicitis symptoms can help you recognize when abdominal pain may need urgent medical evaluation.
What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis. The pain may begin around the belly button and then move to the lower right side of the abdomen. It often becomes worse over several hours and may hurt more when you move, cough, sneeze or take a deep breath.
Other appendicitis symptoms can include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever and swelling of the abdomen. Some people may also experience constipation, diarrhoea or difficulty passing gas.
However, appendicitis does not always look the same in everyone. Children, older adults and pregnant women may have less typical symptoms, including pain in a different location or pain that develops more slowly.
Because several other conditions can cause abdominal pain, you cannot confirm appendicitis based on symptoms alone. A healthcare professional may use a physical examination, blood or urine tests and imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the cause.
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, particularly if the pain moves to the lower right side of your abdomen. Appendicitis is a medical emergency, and delaying treatment can increase the risk of complications such as a burst appendix and infection.
If you suspect you have appendicitis, do not try to diagnose or treat it yourself. Get medical attention immediately
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