Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

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What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Appendicitis often begins with pain in the middle of the abdomen that may fluctuate in intensity. The pain typically starts around the navel (belly button) before moving to the lower right side of the abdomen as inflammation worsens.

Initially, the pain may be mild and intermittent, but it usually becomes sharper, more severe, and constant within a few hours. The pain may intensify when you move, cough, or sneeze.

Other symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Inability to pass gas
• A general feeling that “something is very wrong”

Children and pregnant women may experience symptoms differently, which is why timely medical evaluation is crucial.

Not sure if it’s appendicitis? Read our article on the common causes of abdominal pain.

What are the Causes of Appendicitis?

The exact cause of appendicitis isn’t always clear, but several conditions can lead to blockage and inflammation of the appendix:

• Hardened stool (fecalith): A common cause where stool obstructs the appendix opening.
• Infections: A stomach or gastrointestinal infection may cause swelling in the appendix wall.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of inflammation and obstruction.
• Enlarged lymph nodes: Sometimes lymph nodes in the intestinal tract swell due to viral infections, compressing the appendix.

When the appendix is blocked, bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to swelling, pain, and the risk of rupture.

How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Appendicitis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Doctors often check for tenderness in the lower right abdomen, especially when pressure is released (rebound tenderness).

Common diagnostic tools include:

1. Blood Tests: To check for elevated white blood cell count, a sign of infection.
2. Urine Tests: To rule out urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which can mimic appendicitis symptoms.
3. Imaging Studies:
   • Ultrasound: Common for children and pregnant women. Helps visualise inflammation.
   • CT Scan: The most widely used and accurate imaging option for diagnosing appendicitis.
   • MRI: An alternative to CT for pregnant women or when radiation exposure should be avoided.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications and ensuring successful treatment.

How is Appendicitis Treated?

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If you are diagnosed with appendicitis, your doctor will most likely recommend surgical removal of the appendix immediately to reduce the risk of rupture.

Types of Surgery

1. Open (traditional) appendectomy

A single incision is made in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix. This method is commonly used when the appendix has ruptured or when extensive cleaning of the abdomen is required.

2. Laparoscopic appendectomy

A minimally invasive surgery using several small incisions. A tiny camera (laparoscope) guides the surgeon during the procedure. This option usually offers faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars.

In certain mild cases, especially when the appendix has not ruptured, antibiotics may be used temporarily. However, surgery remains the standard and most effective treatment to prevent recurrence.

What are the Complications of Appendicitis?

Without timely treatment, appendicitis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications:

• Perforation: A rupture allows infected material to spill into the abdominal cavity.
• Peritonitis: Infection of the peritoneum (abdominal lining), leading to severe pain, fever, and vomiting. This requires urgent antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
• Abscess formation: Pockets of pus may develop around or away from the appendix. These may need to be drained using a catheter or through surgery.

Prompt medical care dramatically lowers the risk of these complications.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Appendicitis?

Unfortunately, appendicitis cannot be fully prevented because its exact cause is often unpredictable.

However, some studies suggest that a diet high in fibre — fruits, vegetables, whole grains — may reduce the risk by promoting healthy bowel movements and reducing blockages.

Where Should I Go to The Doctor for Appendicitis?

If you experience symptoms of appendicitis  — especially sudden abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right side — seek medical help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen, and do not take painkillers that could mask the warning signs.

Go to the nearest Accident & Emergency department or contact your doctor right away. Appendicitis is a serious medical emergency that requires fast diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.

Book an Appointment at Island Hospital

If you suspect you may be experiencing appendicitis, it’s important not to ignore the warning signs. Abdominal pain that begins around the belly button and shifts to the lower right side, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained fever should always be taken seriously. 

Appendicitis can progress quickly, and delaying medical attention increases the risk of complications such as a ruptured appendix, infection, or even life-threatening conditions like peritonitis. 

Early intervention is key to ensuring a smoother recovery and preventing unnecessary health risks.

At Island Hospital, we prioritise fast, accurate assessment for anyone presenting with symptoms of appendicitis. Our medical team is equipped with diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, blood tests, and physical examinations to determine the cause of your pain.

Book an appointment today!

FAQ

Can appendicitis go away on its own?

Appendicitis does not typically resolve without treatment. Delaying care may increase the risk of rupture and serious infection.

How quickly does appendicitis develop?

Symptoms can worsen within 24 to 48 hours. This is why early evaluation is important.

Is appendicitis always treated with surgery?

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment, especially for severe cases. In mild cases, antibiotics may be considered, but close monitoring is essential.

Can children get appendicitis?

Yes, appendicitis can occur at any age, including in young children. Their symptoms may be harder to recognise, so seek medical attention promptly.

What happens if the appendix bursts?

A ruptured appendix can cause infection to spread throughout the abdomen. This becomes a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.