Appendicitis: How to Identify Pain and Other Key Symptoms

Abdominal pain that begins in the navel area and ends up localized in the lower right side may be the first sign of appendicitis, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Pain that begins as a diffuse discomfort in the abdomen and ends up concentrating on the right side is usually the first sign of appendicitis.

Far from being a temporary discomfort, this symptom can turn into a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.

According to the Mayo Clinic, appendicitis is a sudden inflammation of the appendix —a small pouch attached to the large intestine—which, if left untreated, can lead to perforation and life-threatening complications. Each year, thousands of emergency procedures confirm the importance of recognizing its symptoms early.

Why does the appendix become inflamed?

The cause is usually a blockage of the appendix duct by hardened stool, foreign bodies, or infections. This triggers an inflammatory reaction that, without medical attention, can progress to intestinal necrosis and perforation.

According to the United States National Library of Medicine, the disease primarily affects people between 10 and 30 years of age, although it can occur at any age.

Main symptoms of appendicitis

The most characteristic symptom is abdominal pain: it first appears around the navel, then migrates to the lower right side and worsens with movement, coughing, or walking.
Other common symptoms include:

Mild fever, around 38°C.
Loss of appetite and general malaise.
Nausea and vomiting after the onset of pain.
Bloated abdomen or difficulty passing gas.

Specialists at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) point out that the combination of pain and fever after a gastrointestinal illness is a clear reason to go to the emergency room.

When to go to the hospital immediately

Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency if abdominal pain worsens in less than 24 hours, if the abdomen becomes rigid and painful to the touch, or if persistent vomiting and rising fever occur. The presence of severe diarrhea or constipation is also a warning sign.

Experts warn that self-medicating with pain relievers or laxatives can mask symptoms and delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of perforation.

How appendicitis is diagnosed and treated

Diagnosis is based on a physical examination focusing on tender areas, blood and urine tests to rule out other infections, and imaging studies such as ultrasounds or CT scans.

The standard treatment is appendectomy, a surgery to remove the appendix, which is performed laparoscopically in most cases. In complicated situations, such as the presence of abscesses, the procedure may be combined with antibiotics before or after surgery.

Risk factors and prevention

There is no proven measure to prevent appendicitis. However, statistics show fewer cases in people with high-fiber diets. Identified risk factors include:

Age between 10 and 30 years.
Family history.
Low-fiber diets with high consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Complications of not treating appendicitis

Ignoring the symptoms can have serious consequences. A perforation releases bacteria and pus into the abdomen, causing peritonitis. Abscesses can also form, requiring drainage or leading to septic shock, which can be life-threatening.

The specialists’ recommendation is clear: if you experience rapidly worsening abdominal pain accompanied by fever, seek immediate medical attention. Home remedies or self-medication are no substitute for diagnosis or surgical treatment. In the case of appendicitis, every hour counts.