Overview
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It typically starts as vague pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right belly and steadily worsens. It is a surgical emergency because an inflamed appendix can burst within a day or two, spilling infection into the abdomen. Prompt surgery to remove the appendix is safe and usually curative, so the pain should never be ignored.
Symptoms
- Pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right belly
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing or pressing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low-grade fever
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently for worsening lower-right belly pain, especially with fever and vomiting — do not eat, drink or take painkillers before being seen.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe or spreading belly pain with high fever, a rigid hard abdomen or repeated vomiting — the appendix may have burst, go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Blockage of the appendix by hardened stool, swelling or infection, which lets bacteria multiply and inflame the pouch.