What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine.
It can happen to anyone and can become serious if treatment is delayed. In some cases, the appendix can develop a hole and “burst” (perforate). This can cause a serious infection inside the abdomen.
The important thing is that appendicitis usually gives warning signs before it becomes complicated. Knowing these signs can help you seek treatment early.
1. Abdominal Pain That Gets Worse
The most common warning sign is abdominal pain.
In many people, the pain:
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Starts around the belly button
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Gradually becomes stronger
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Moves toward the lower-right side of the abdomen
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Becomes continuous rather than coming and going
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Gets worse when walking, coughing or moving
However, not everyone experiences pain in exactly the same place. This is why unusual abdominal pain should not automatically be dismissed.
Pain that keeps getting worse is a reason to see a doctor.
2. Loss of Appetite
You may suddenly feel that you don't want to eat.
Loss of appetite is common in appendicitis, particularly when it occurs along with abdominal pain or nausea.
3. Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting can occur with appendicitis.
A useful clue is when abdominal pain is followed by nausea or vomiting rather than vomiting being the first major symptom.
But vomiting can occur in many other conditions too, so it cannot confirm appendicitis by itself.
4. Fever
A mild fever may occur as the appendix becomes inflamed.
If the infection becomes more severe, the fever may become higher and may be accompanied by:
These symptoms require prompt medical attention.
5. Your Abdomen Becomes Tender
You may notice that your abdomen hurts when touched.
Some people find that the pain becomes worse when they:
This can happen because movement irritates the inflamed tissues around the appendix.
6. Bloating or Changes in Bowel Movements
Appendicitis can sometimes cause:
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Abdominal bloating
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Constipation
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Loose stools
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Difficulty passing gas
These symptoms are not specific to appendicitis, but when they occur together with worsening abdominal pain, they should not be ignored.
What Does “Burst Appendix” Mean?
If appendicitis is not treated, the inflammation can become severe enough that the wall of the appendix develops a hole.
This is called appendix perforation.
When this happens, infected fluid can leak into the abdomen and cause a serious infection called peritonitis.
A burst appendix can mean:
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More extensive infection
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More complicated treatment
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Longer hospitalisation
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Greater risk of complications
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Sometimes the need for drainage procedures or more extensive surgery
That is why waiting for the appendix to burst is dangerous.
Can You Know at Home If Your Appendix Has Burst?
No.
Symptoms can sometimes change when perforation occurs, and the severity of the condition cannot reliably be determined at home.
If severe abdominal pain is followed by increasing fever, abdominal swelling, weakness, rapid heartbeat or worsening overall condition, urgent medical assessment is necessary.
Do not assume that a temporary change in pain means that the problem has gone away.
How Do Doctors Confirm Appendicitis?
Your doctor will first ask about your symptoms and examine your abdomen.
Depending on your situation, the doctor may recommend:
Blood Tests
Blood tests can show signs of inflammation or infection.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound may be useful, particularly in children and young patients and in selected other situations.
CT Scan
A CT scan can provide a detailed picture of the appendix and surrounding abdomen. It can also help identify complications such as perforation or an abscess.
The choice of test depends on your symptoms, examination and individual circumstances.
Does Appendicitis Always Need Surgery?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of appendicitis.
Many patients are treated with appendectomy, which means removing the appendix.
In selected patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics may sometimes be considered. However, appendicitis can recur after antibiotic treatment, and some patients may eventually require surgery.
If the appendix has already perforated, treatment can be more complicated and may involve antibiotics, drainage of an abscess and/or surgery.
What Is Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive operation to remove the appendix.
Instead of making one large incision, the surgeon usually makes several small incisions and uses a small camera and specialised instruments.
For many patients, this can mean:
The exact approach depends on the patient's condition, especially if the appendix has already perforated.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should not wait at home if you have abdominal pain that is persistent or getting worse, particularly if it is associated with:
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Pain moving to the lower-right abdomen
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Fever
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Increasing abdominal tenderness
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Abdominal swelling
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Difficulty eating or drinking
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Increasing weakness or feeling very unwell
There are many causes of abdominal pain, and not every case is appendicitis. But if appendicitis is a possibility, early medical assessment is much safer than waiting for it to become complicated.