Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Appendicitis?
Question: what does appendicitis feel like?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Appendicitis can have different symptoms in a young child vs an adult. In an adult (I assume you are asking for yourself?) pain usually evolves over time, starting generally around the navel and then localizing in the area of the right lower side of the abdomen. There can be nausea and low grade fever, and walking or movements that jar the abdomen cause increased pain. Pressing on the abdomen, especially the lower abdomen, and releasing the hand quickly can cause increased pain. And coughing increases pain. But depending on the position of the appendix, sometimes pressing on the abdomen doesn't cause this pain. Lying on one's back with hips and knees bent and then rotating the right leg inward can cause increased pain.
The pain can be dull, sharp, or crampy.
Timely diagnosis of appendicitis is important. So if you are having pain in the lower right abdomen, and feel ill (fever, nausea) and it hurts to walk, go to the ER where they can examine you and do imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT.
Not all of the symptoms have to be there as these can vary from one person to the next depending on the position of the appendix.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Appendicitis can have different symptoms in a young child vs an adult. In an adult (I assume you are asking for yourself?) pain usually evolves over time, starting generally around the navel and then localizing in the area of the right lower side of the abdomen. There can be nausea and low grade fever, and walking or movements that jar the abdomen cause increased pain. Pressing on the abdomen, especially the lower abdomen, and releasing the hand quickly can cause increased pain. And coughing increases pain. But depending on the position of the appendix, sometimes pressing on the abdomen doesn't cause this pain. Lying on one's back with hips and knees bent and then rotating the right leg inward can cause increased pain.
The pain can be dull, sharp, or crampy.
Timely diagnosis of appendicitis is important. So if you are having pain in the lower right abdomen, and feel ill (fever, nausea) and it hurts to walk, go to the ER where they can examine you and do imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT.
Not all of the symptoms have to be there as these can vary from one person to the next depending on the position of the appendix.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
