Stomach pain can be tricky. But some types of pain shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s talk about when symptoms signal a possible appendicitis — and why acting fast could save a life.
How Do I Know If It’s Appendicitis?
Appendicitis means your appendix is swollen or infected. The appendix is a small pouch on the lower right side of your belly. If it gets inflamed, it needs treatment right away.
Pain often starts close to your belly button. Then it moves down to the lower right side. This is a serious warning. Let’s break it down.
Main Signs of Appendicitis
There are some very common signs. Most people with appendicitis will have these:
- Sudden pain that begins near the belly button
- Pain moving to the lower right part of the belly
- Pain that gets worse when you walk, laugh, sneeze, or touch your stomach
- Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
- Throwing up (vomiting)
- Loss of appetite
- Fever of 99°F to 102°F
- Can’t poop (constipation) or need to poop a lot (diarrhea)
If you feel many of these at once, it could mean appendicitis. You should see a doctor right away.
Quick Story: How Jenny’s Tummy Ache Turned Serious
Jenny was 12. She had tummy cramps early in the morning. She thought it was nothing. Later, the pain moved to her lower right side. She couldn’t stand straight. Her mom rushed her to the hospital.
The doctor said her appendix had burst. She needed surgery right away. Luckily, she’s fine now. But if she had waited another day, it could have been worse.
What Causes Appendicitis?
We don’t always know what causes it. But it usually starts when the appendix gets blocked. This blockage can come from:
- Hard poop (that won’t pass)
- An infection
- A small injury
- Swollen tissues
When it’s blocked, bacteria builds up. This causes swelling. Sometimes, pus forms inside. This is painful and dangerous.
Around 1 in every 20 people in the U.S. will get appendicitis. Most cases happen between ages 10 and 30. You don’t need the appendix to live. But if it bursts, germs can spread in your belly. That’s a medical emergency.
When Should I Go to the ER?
If you think it’s just gas or a stomach bug, it’s easy to wait. But that can be very risky.
Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Pain in your lower right belly
- Nausea, vomiting, or fever
- Pain that gets worse quickly
- No appetite or energy
Doctors will check your symptoms. You might get an ultrasound or CT scan. These help confirm if it’s appendicitis.
Waiting too long could cause the appendix to burst. That makes treatment harder and recovery longer.
Let’s look at the numbers:
- Over 250,000 people in the U.S. get appendicitis each year.
- A burst appendix can raise the death risk by 50 times.
- Surgery is simple when done early. Recovery is usually within a week.
Can Kids Get Appendicitis?
Yes, kids can get it too — even younger than 10. In fact, children often miss the signs.
Many kids say, “My belly hurts,” and that’s it. But adults need to ask more questions. Does the pain stay in one spot? Is it near the lower right side? Is your child walking bent over because it hurts?
A Stanford study showed that appendicitis in kids between 5–12 years old is often missed in the first 12 hours. Why? Because kids can’t always say where it hurts.
So, if your child seems very sick, doesn’t want to eat, and has sharp pain — don’t wait. Get help.
What Happens If the Appendix Bursts?
If nothing is done, the appendix can burst. This spreads infection all over the belly. This is called peritonitis — and it’s very serious.
Signs that the appendix has burst include:
- Sudden, sharp stopping of pain (the pain “goes away”)
- Then, pain and fever get much worse
- Bloated belly
- High heart rate
- Feeling dizzy or confused
You must go to the ER immediately. Doctors will do emergency surgery and give strong medicine to kill the infection.
What Will the Doctor Do?
First, the doctor will ask questions and check your belly. They’ll press it to see where it hurts most. They might order:
- A blood test (to see if you have an infection)
- A urine test (to rule out kidney problems)
- An ultrasound or CT scan (to see the appendix clearly)
If it’s appendicitis, doctors will do surgery.
The most common type is laparoscopic. That means small cuts and a tiny camera to do the surgery. It usually takes less than an hour.
Recovery time:
- If caught early: Home in 1–2 days
- If burst: Might stay in hospital for a week or more
A burst appendix may require a tube to drain pus and more antibiotics.
Can Appendicitis Go Away On Its Own?
Maybe, but it’s risky. A few studies show that antibiotics alone can help mild cases. But surgery is still the safest way.
In one study with 500 people, 7 out of 10 got better with just antibiotics. But 3 out of 10 still needed surgery later.
Doctors recommend surgery for most people. It gives a clear fix and avoids future problems.
What Not to Do
Here are three things you should NOT do if you suspect appendicitis:
- Don’t take a painkiller right away. It can hide the real cause.
- Don’t eat or drink. You may need surgery (no full stomach needed!).
- Don’t wait it out. Time makes things worse, not better.
Act early. It’s better to be safe.
