What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Symptoms of APPENDICITIS are: (1) Stomachache followed by a fever. (2) Abdominal pain. (3) Stomach pain or tummy ache in a specific place. (4) Pain when pressing down on the abdomen. (5) Feeling cold or shivering. (6) Stomach / abdominal pain, followed by vomiting

Appendicitis Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency department)

Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)

From our team of 50+ doctors

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Learn more about Appendicitis

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis occurs when the appendix (a small, tube-like structure that comes off a part of the colon) becomes inflamed. This most commonly occurs because the appendix becomes plugged with fecal material or calcium. The appendix swells with inflammation and becomes infected with gut bacteria. It can affect anyone, and is most common in young adults.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Stomachache followed by a fever
Abdominal pain
Stomach pain or tummy ache in a specific place
Pain when pressing down on the abdomen
Feeling cold or shivering
Stomach / abdominal pain, followed by vomiting

Questions your doctor may ask to check for appendicitis

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose appendicitis

Did you have stomach ache before the fever?
Do you have abdominal pain (stomach ache)?
Do you have abdominal (stomach) pain in any particular location?
Do you feel severe pain when pressing on your abdomen (stomach)?
Do you feel cold or chilly?

Treatment for appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is often treated surgically, by removing the appendix. Antibiotics and pain medications are often administered as well, and in cases where surgery is deemed not appropriate.

View the symptoms of Appendicitis

Diseases related to Appendicitis

References

Bhangu A, Søreide K, Di Saverio S, Assarsson JH, Drake FT. Acute appendicitis: modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Lancet. 2015 Sep 26;386(10000):1278-1287. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00275-5. Erratum in: Lancet. 2017 Oct 14;390(10104):1736. PMID: 26460662.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00275-5/fulltext
Snyder MJ, Guthrie M, Cagle S. Acute Appendicitis: Efficient Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jul 1;98(1):25-33. PMID: 30215950.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0701/p25.html
Wagner M, Tubre DJ, Asensio JA. Evolution and Current Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis. Surg Clin North Am. 2018 Oct;98(5):1005-1023. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2018.05.006. Epub 2018 Jul 13. PMID: 30243444.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039610918300707?via%3Dihub
Moris D, Paulson EK, Pappas TN. Diagnosis and Management of Acute Appendicitis in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Dec 14;326(22):2299-2311. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.20502. PMID: 34905026.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2787111

Reviewed By:

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency department)

Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)

From our team of 50+ doctors

Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.