Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and needs urgent hospital assessment and treatment. If you think you have appendicitis, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a private appointment. Symptoms vary and this page cannot confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
In this guide
Overview
Appendicitis is an inflammatory condition where the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine, becomes infected and swollen. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications like rupture.
Causes and Symptoms
- Cause: Appendicitis often results from obstruction of the appendix by stool, a foreign body, or infection, leading to bacterial growth and inflammation.
- Symptoms: Common signs include sudden onset of abdominal pain starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tenderness around the abdomen.
Diagnosis
- Physical Examination: Assessment of symptoms and abdominal tenderness.
- Blood Tests: Evaluate for signs of infection (elevated white blood cell count).
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the inflamed appendix and confirm diagnosis.
Treatment
- Appendicectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix is the standard treatment.
- Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: Minimally invasive procedure using small incisions, a laparoscope (camera), and specialized instruments to remove the appendix.
- Procedure: Surgeon inserts instruments through small incisions, locates the appendix, removes it, and closes the incisions with stitches or surgical glue.
- Procedure: Surgeon inserts instruments through small incisions, locates the appendix, removes it, and closes the incisions with stitches or surgical glue.
- Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: Minimally invasive procedure using small incisions, a laparoscope (camera), and specialized instruments to remove the appendix.
Importance of Timely Medical Attention
Appendicitis requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment due to the risk of appendix rupture, which can lead to life-threatening infections (peritonitis). If you suspect appendicitis or experience severe abdominal pain, seek urgent medical assistance without delay.
Conclusion
Appendicitis is a serious condition necessitating prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention in most cases. Timely medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a successful recovery. If you suspect appendicitis based on symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, seek immediate medical care for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
A little more clarity
Your questions, answered
Does appendicitis always cause pain in the lower right abdomen?
No. Pain often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right, but some people have less typical pain or pain in a different place. An unusual pattern does not rule it out. A clinician needs to assess abdominal pain rather than relying on a symptom checklist.
Should I wait to see whether suspected appendicitis settles?
If you think you have appendicitis, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a private appointment. NHS advice is to seek urgent GP or NHS 111 help for abdominal pain that worsens or does not go away. Call 999 or go to A&E for severe abdominal pain.
Can a single test always diagnose appendicitis?
No. Doctors consider your history, examination and tests such as blood tests, urine tests and scans. There is no test that always shows appendicitis. Sometimes observation in hospital or treatment based on the clinical findings is needed; this is different from waiting at home without assessment.
Is surgery the only possible hospital treatment?
Removing the appendix is the usual treatment. In some circumstances the hospital team may recommend antibiotics instead, or antibiotics first if there is an appendix mass. The decision depends on clinical assessment and the risks in your case, not on choosing a treatment from a website.
Why is prompt assessment important even if the pain changes?
Untreated appendicitis can lead to a burst appendix and serious infection. Pain can briefly improve after a burst appendix before becoming severe and widespread, so a change in pain does not reliably mean the problem has resolved. Do not delay seeking help if appendicitis is suspected.
Patient information and guides
These leaflets provide general information and do not replace individual medical advice. Follow the instructions of your clinical team for your own care.
Information on appendicitis (PDF, 5 pages)
An overview of appendicitis and appendicectomy, including treatment options and recovery.
Sources & further reading
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Your clinical team will advise what is appropriate for you.