What Does Appendicitis Feel Like? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Abdominal pain is common—but when it becomes sharp, persistent, and localized, it could be a sign of something more serious, like appendicitis. This condition affects people of all ages but is most common between ages 10 and 30.

Knowing what appendicitis feels like and how it differs from regular stomach pain can help you act quickly and avoid dangerous complications.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix—a small pouch attached to the large intestine—becomes inflamed, usually due to a blockage. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture, spreading infection throughout the abdomen and causing a life-threatening emergency.

What Does Appendicitis Feel Like?

The pain associated with appendicitis typically starts as a dull ache near the belly button. Over time, it shifts to the lower-right side of the abdomen and becomes more intense.

Common appendicitis symptoms include:

• Sudden pain that begins near the navel and moves to the lower-right abdomen
• Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breaths
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever (which may worsen as inflammation increases)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal bloating or gas
• Tenderness when pressing or releasing the lower-right abdomen

Pain location may vary. For example, pregnant women may feel upper abdominal pain due to the shifted position of the appendix.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is typically caused by a blockage in the lining of the appendix, which may be due to:

• Hardened stool
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Intestinal parasites
• Infection
• Trauma

Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix, causing it to swell with pus. This can lead to rupture if not treated in time.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Appendicitis can escalate quickly. If you experience:

• Intense or worsening abdominal pain
• Pain that localizes to the lower right side
• Fever, vomiting, or dizziness
• A sudden loss of appetite with severe discomfort

...you should seek immediate medical attention. A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity), which is a medical emergency.

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam, where your doctor may press gently on the abdomen. Pain that worsens when pressure is released is a red flag.

Other diagnostic tools may include:

• Blood test (to check for infection)
• Urine test (to rule out urinary tract issues or kidney stones)
• Imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize inflammation or rupture

How to Treat Appendicitis

The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy.

Appendicitis Treatment May Include:

• Antibiotics to reduce infection before surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery for faster recovery with smaller incisions
• Open surgery (laparotomy) in more complicated cases or when rupture is suspected

Surgery is typically followed by a short hospital stay of 1–2 days, unless complications arise.

Appendectomy Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery from an appendectomy varies, but most people return to normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks. Your provider will give specific guidance based on your procedure, but you should:

• Rest and limit physical activity
• Take all prescribed antibiotics
• Watch for signs of infection (redness, fever, swelling around incision)
• Stay hydrated and eat light meals during early recovery

Don’t Ignore Persistent Abdominal Pain

If you're experiencing ongoing abdominal pain, especially in the lower-right side, don’t wait it out. Appendicitis is highly treatable—but only if diagnosed early.

At BASS Medical Group, our providers can assess your symptoms, run the necessary tests, and coordinate surgical care if needed.

Schedule an Appointment

Wondering if your symptoms are appendicitis? Contact BASS Medical Group to speak with a provider and get the answers you need.