Abdominal pain is a universal symptom
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.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
This article highlights the symptoms of appendicitis, including a general timeline for symptom progression.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis triggers 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.
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.
While the appendix’s base is always attached to the large intestines, its tip varies in location.
Appendicitis Symptoms in Children
Appendicitis rarely occurs in babies or preschool-aged children.
It becomes more common in children over age 5.
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.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Appendicitis?
An obstruction within the appendix is believed to be the primary cause of appendicitis.
When citing a reference, the terms for gender or sex from that source will be used.
A pregnancy test is also performed in females of childbearing age.
How Long Can You Have Symptoms Before an Appendix Bursts?
The precise timing for when an appendix may rupture is impossible to predict.
After 36 hours, the risk of appendix rupture increased by 5% every 12 hours.
Besides symptoms, you (along with the help of someone else) can perform some maneuvers at home.
Although, again, these maneuvers should never replace an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
A “positive” sign means the maneuver reproduces lower right-side abdominal pain.
Its presence may further support possible appendicitis.
When to Go to the Hospital
Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
In some cases, antibiotics alone may be sufficient.
Summary
Abdominal painis present in nearly all cases of appendicitis.
The pain’s location, intensity, and onset may vary among individuals.
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.
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