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The main characteristic symptom of acute appendicitis is severe abdominal pain, located on the lower right side of the belly, close to the hip bone.
However, appendicitis pain can also start to be milder and diffuse, with no specific location around the navel. After a few hours, it is common for this pain to move until it is centered on top of the appendix, that is, on the lower right side of the belly.
If you think you may have appendicitis, check your symptoms:
- 1. Abdominal pain or discomfort No Yes
- 2. Severe pain in the lower right side of the belly No Yes
- 3. Nausea or vomiting No Yes
- 4. Loss of appetite No Yes
- 5. Persistent low fever (between 37.5º and 38º) No Yes
- 6. General malaise No Yes
- 7. Constipation or diarrhea No Yes
- 8. Swollen belly or excess gas No Yes
One way that can help confirm appendicitis is to put light pressure on the pain site and then release quickly. If the pain is more severe, it may be a sign of appendicitis and, therefore, it is advisable to go to the emergency room for tests, such as ultrasound, to confirm if there is any change in the appendix.
Symptoms of appendicitis in babies and children
Appendicitis is a rare problem in babies, however, when it does it causes symptoms such as pain in the belly, fever and vomiting. In addition, it can also be noted, in some cases, a swelling in the belly, as well as extreme sensitivity to touch, which translates to easy crying when touching the belly, for example.
In children, symptoms progress faster compared to symptoms in adults, and there is a greater risk of perforation due to the greater fragility of the abdominal mucosa.
Therefore, if there is a suspicion of appendicitis, it is very important to go immediately to the emergency room or to the pediatrician, so that the necessary tests are done in order to quickly start the appropriate treatment.
Appendicitis pain site
Symptoms of appendicitis in pregnant women
Symptoms in pregnant women can appear at any time during pregnancy, however they are more frequent in the first trimester of pregnancy.
The symptoms are similar to those mentioned above, with pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, however, at the end of pregnancy the symptoms may be less specific due to the displacement of the appendix and, therefore, the symptoms can be confused with the contractions of the end pregnancy or other abdominal discomfort, making diagnosis difficult and delaying treatment.
Symptoms of chronic appendicitis
Although acute appendicitis is the most common type, some people may develop chronic appendicitis, in which generalized and diffuse abdominal pain appears, which may be slightly more intense on the right side and in the lower abdomen. This pain can last for several months or years, until the correct diagnosis is made.
When to go to the doctor
You should go to the emergency room immediately if symptoms of appendicitis develop, especially if after a few hours they also appear:
- Increased abdominal pain;
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Chills and tremors;
- Vomiting;
- Difficulties to evacuate or release gases.
These symptoms may indicate that the appendix has ruptured and that the stool has spread through the abdominal region, which can cause a serious infection.