Common symptoms of appendicitis:

Symptoms usually develop within hours and include:

Sudden pain: often begins around the navel and then moves to the lower right side of the
abdomen

Worsening pain: pain becomes severe when coughing, walking, or making sudden
movements

Digestive disturbances: nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

Changes in bowel habits: constipation or diarrhea may occur, and difficulty passing gas
may be present

Fever: a mild fever may develop and worsen as the inflammation progresses

Special cases:

In pregnant women: pain may be felt in the upper abdomen because the uterus pushes the
appendix upwards during pregnancy

In children: it can be difficult to diagnose because they cannot accurately describe the
pain, requiring close monitoring of any persistent abdominal pain

Why is it considered an emergency?

If the inflammation is left untreated, the appendix may rupture within 24 to 72 hours of the
onset of symptoms. A ruptured appendix leads to the spread of infection into the
abdominal cavity (peritonitis), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Treatment Options
Surgery: This is the most common treatment and involves surgical removal of the appendix
(laparoscopically or through open surgery).
Antibiotics: In some mild and uncomplicated cases, doctors may suggest medication as an
alternative to surgery, but this decision depends entirely on the doctor’s assessment.