Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Temperature of 99° F to 102° F.
• Constipation or diarrhea with gas.
• Inability to pass gas.

Almost half the time, other symptoms appear, including:

• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum.
• Painful urination
• Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have pain that matches these symptoms. Acute appendicitis is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Prompt surgery is often essential. Do not eat, drink, or use any pain remedies, antacids, laxatives, or heating pads, which can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture.
• You have symptoms of appendicitis, but your appendix has already been removed. You may have pelvic inflammatory disease, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, a tubal pregnancy, gastroenteritis, or problems with your colon. Seek medical care immediately.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• uncontrolled vomiting
• increased pain in your abdomen
• dizziness/feelings of faintness
• blood in your vomit or urine