Is It Just a Stomach Ache? Why Your Appendix Is Inflaming & Medical Next Steps

A stomach ache is common. It can happen after a heavy meal, during stress, or with a simple stomach bug. But sometimes, what feels like an ordinary belly pain may be appendicitis—a condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Understanding the difference can help you act quickly and confidently if symptoms arise.

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What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of your abdomen.

While the appendix does not have a critical role in digestion, it can become blocked and infected. When this happens, it swells and fills with pus. Without treatment, the appendix can burst (rupture), spreading infection into the abdomen. This is why appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.

The good news: when caught early, appendicitis is very treatable.

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Why Does the Appendix Become Inflamed?

Appendicitis usually begins with a blockage inside the appendix. This blockage can be caused by:

• Hardened stool (fecalith)
• Swollen lymph tissue from infection
• Intestinal parasites (rare)
• Tumors (uncommon)
• Trauma to the abdomen (less common)

Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix. Pressure builds, blood flow decreases, and inflammation worsens. Without treatment, the appendix can rupture within 24 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, though timing varies.

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Early Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis pain often follows a predictable pattern—but not always. Recognizing key symptoms can help.

Common Symptoms

• Pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen
• Pain that gets worse over several hours
• Pain that increases when you move, cough, or press on the area
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild fever (usually low-grade at first)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating or inability to pass gas

The pain of appendicitis typically becomes steady and sharper over time. Unlike gas pain, it does not come and go.

Symptoms in Children, Pregnant Women, and Older Adults

Appendicitis can look different depending on age and health status:

• Children may have vomiting and fever before clear abdominal pain.
• Pregnant women may feel pain higher in the abdomen.
• Older adults may have milder symptoms but higher risk of rupture.

Because symptoms can vary, persistent or worsening abdominal pain should always be evaluated.

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When Is It "Just" a Stomach Ache?

Not every stomach pain is appendicitis. Common causes of abdominal discomfort include:

• Indigestion
• Gas or bloating
• Food poisoning
• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Menstrual cramps
• Urinary tract infections

These conditions often improve within a day or two. The pain may move around, ease after passing gas, or improve with rest.

Appendicitis pain usually worsens, localizes to the lower right abdomen, and does not improve with time.

If you're experiencing persistent abdominal pain and want to understand whether your symptoms could be serious, try this free Acute Appendicitis symptom checker to get immediate guidance on your next steps. However, an online tool is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.

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How Doctors Diagnose Appendicitis

If appendicitis is suspected, a doctor will:

1. Take a Medical History

You'll be asked:

• When the pain started
• Where it began and how it changed
• Whether you have nausea, vomiting, or fever

2. Perform a Physical Exam

The doctor may:

• Press gently on the abdomen
• Check for tenderness in the lower right side
• Look for guarding (tightening of abdominal muscles)
• Test for rebound tenderness (pain when pressure is released)

3. Order Tests

To confirm appendicitis, doctors may use:

• Blood tests (to check for infection)
• Urine tests (to rule out urinary causes)
• Ultrasound (often used in children and pregnant women)
• CT scan (highly accurate for diagnosing appendicitis)

Prompt diagnosis lowers the risk of complications.

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Treatment for Appendicitis

Surgical Removal (Appendectomy)

The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. This procedure is called an appendectomy.

There are two main types:

• Laparoscopic surgery – minimally invasive, small incisions, faster recovery
• Open surgery – used if the appendix has ruptured or infection is widespread

Most people go home within 1–2 days after surgery if there are no complications.

Antibiotics

In some mild cases of appendicitis, antibiotics alone may be considered. However:

• Symptoms can return
• Surgery is often still needed later
• Not all patients are good candidates for antibiotic-only treatment

Your doctor will help determine the safest option.

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What Happens If Appendicitis Is Not Treated?

If untreated, appendicitis can lead to:

• Ruptured appendix
• Peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining)
• Abscess formation
• Sepsis (a life-threatening infection)

These complications require more extensive treatment and longer hospital stays.

This is why worsening abdominal pain should never be ignored.

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Recovery After Appendectomy

Recovery depends on whether the appendix ruptured.

After Uncomplicated Surgery:

• Light activity within a few days
• Return to normal activities in 1–3 weeks
• Minimal long-term effects

After a Rupture:

• Hospital stay may be longer
• IV antibiotics required
• Full recovery may take several weeks

Most people recover fully and live normal, healthy lives without an appendix.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

You should seek urgent medical attention if you have:

• Severe abdominal pain, especially in the lower right side
• Pain that worsens over several hours
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Pain that makes it hard to walk or stand upright
• Signs of shock (weakness, confusion, rapid heartbeat)

Do not delay care if symptoms are severe or worsening. Appendicitis can become dangerous quickly.

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Reducing Anxiety: What You Should Remember

It's important not to panic—but also not to ignore symptoms.

Keep these points in mind:

• Many stomach aches are harmless and resolve on their own.
• Appendicitis usually becomes progressively worse, not better.
• Early treatment leads to excellent outcomes.
• Modern surgery is safe and routine.
• Acting quickly reduces risk.

If you are unsure about your symptoms, start by paying attention to how they change over time. If pain intensifies or localizes, it's time to get checked.

If you're worried and need clarity fast, use this free AI-powered tool to check your symptoms for Acute Appendicitis and find out if you should seek care right away. But if symptoms are severe, skip online tools and go directly to urgent care or the emergency room.

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The Bottom Line

Appendicitis is a common and treatable condition—but it requires timely medical attention.

A simple stomach ache often improves within hours. Appendicitis pain typically worsens, moves to the lower right abdomen, and may be accompanied by nausea, fever, or loss of appetite.

If you suspect appendicitis:

• Do not ignore worsening pain
• Avoid taking laxatives or strong pain medication without medical advice
• Seek prompt evaluation

When it comes to abdominal pain that could be serious or life-threatening, always speak to a doctor. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and make treatment much easier.

Trust your instincts. If something feels different or more intense than a usual stomach ache, it deserves medical attention.