Appendix pain: Understand the symptoms, causes and when to be seen
Feeling pain in your lower right side? It could be appendix pain. The appendix is a small, tube-shaped pouch attached to your large intestine. You usually won’t really notice it — unless it gets inflamed.
Sometimes small stomach aches go away on their own. But ongoing pain can be a sign of something more serious, like appendicitis. Knowing what to look for can help you get the care you need — fast.
What is appendix pain?
Pain from an inflamed appendix usually starts near your belly button and then moves to the lower right side of your stomach. It often feels sharp, crampy or dull — and it tends to get worse over time.1,2 You might also feel bloated, lose your appetite or notice that moving makes the pain even worse.
What causes appendix pain?
Appendix pain most often happens when the appendix becomes blocked. That blockage can be caused by:1,3
- Hardened stool
- An infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Growths, like tumors
When the appendix gets blocked, it can swell, get infected and eventually burst — which can cause serious problems.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have persistent or severe pain in your abdomen — especially if it gets worse quickly — it’s important to see a doctor right away. Appendix pain can be a sign of appendicitis, a medical emergency.
Other signs that you should get medical attention include:2,3
- Pain that starts around your belly button and moves to your right lower abdomen
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in your abdomen
- Trouble passing gas
- Pain when you move around, cough or sneeze
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is when your appendix gets inflamed and infected.1 It’s the most common cause of belly pain that needs surgery. If it’s not treated quickly, the appendix can burst — spreading infection throughout your abdomen, which can be life-threatening.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose appendicitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They might gently press on your abdomen to check for tenderness. Other tests that can help diagnose appendicitis include:1,2
- Blood tests to look for infection
- Urine tests to rule out a urinary tract infection
- Imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to see the appendix more clearly
Because a burst appendix is dangerous, doctors often move quickly if they suspect appendicitis.
What are treatment options for appendicitis?
The most common treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy.1,3 In many cases, this is done with a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy, which uses small incisions and usually means a quicker recovery.
Sometimes, if the appendicitis is caught very early and is mild, doctors might treat it with antibiotics, but this is not common.3 Surgery is still the standard treatment for most people, because an appendix can rupture within 36 hours of you noticing symptoms.3
If you’re dealing with abdominal pain, don’t ignore it — especially if it comes on suddenly, persists or gets worse. Knowing the signs and getting medical help early can make all the difference in preventing complications.
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