Appendicitis Explained: How It Starts, Common Symptoms And Why Delay Can Be Dangerous

Last Updated:December 26, 2025, 15:57 IST

One of the key warning signs of appendicitis is pain. In most cases, the pain begins around the navel and gradually shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, located on the lower right side of the abdomen. For years, it was considered a “vestigial” organ with no clear function, but doctors now believe it may play a minor role in supporting gut immunity. Despite its size, problems involving the appendix can quickly turn serious if ignored.

When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is known as appendicitis — a common medical emergency that often requires surgery. According to Dr Raj Kumar, a general surgeon at the Government Hospital in Wanaparthy in Telangana, appendicitis typically begins with vague abdominal discomfort that worsens rapidly.

How Appendicitis Pain Usually Starts

One of the key warning signs of appendicitis is pain. In most cases, the pain begins around the navel and gradually shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. As inflammation increases, the pain becomes sharper and more intense. “Many patients mistake early symptoms for gas or stomach upset, which delays treatment,” Dr Raj Kumar explains.

As the condition progresses, even simple movements like walking, coughing, or lying on one side can worsen the pain. By this stage, medical attention becomes urgent.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis usually develops when the appendix gets blocked. This blockage may be caused by hardened stool, swollen lymph nodes, intestinal infections, or, in rare cases, tumours. Gastrointestinal infections can trigger swelling of lymph tissue near the appendix, leading to inflammation.

Certain bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, may also increase the risk. In extremely rare situations, trauma to the abdomen can result in appendicitis. Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix, causing swelling, infection, and pressure that can eventually lead to rupture if untreated.

Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person, but some warning signs are common. Persistent abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right side is the most telling sign. This is often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Fever and chills may develop as the body responds to infection.

Some patients also experience constipation or diarrhoea, making it harder to distinguish appendicitis from routine digestive issues. Doctors warn that if abdominal pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by fever and vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is essential.

How Doctors Diagnose Appendicitis

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, where doctors check for tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the abdomen. Blood tests are used to look for signs of infection, such as a raised white blood cell count.

Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans help confirm inflammation of the appendix and rule out other conditions, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which can mimic similar symptoms.

Treatment And Why Timing Matters

The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy — surgical removal of the appendix. In some early or mild cases, doctors may begin treatment with antibiotics, but surgery is often required if symptoms do not improve.

If the appendix ruptures, infection can spread to the abdominal cavity, leading to serious complications. “In severe cases, immediate surgery can be life-saving,” Dr Raj Kumar says. If tumours are found, further treatment may include surgery or chemotherapy, depending on whether they are benign or malignant.

Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?

While appendicitis cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may reduce the risk. A diet rich in fibre helps prevent constipation, which can contribute to blockage. Drinking adequate water supports digestion and reduces bowel obstruction.

Doctors also advise limiting processed foods, maintaining regular physical activity, and seeking timely medical care for digestive problems. “Healthy gut habits play an important role in lowering inflammation and supporting overall intestinal health,” Dr Raj Kumar adds.

Why Awareness Matters

Appendicitis can affect people of all ages and often strikes without warning. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care can prevent complications and speed recovery. Knowing when abdominal pain is more than just a stomach ache can make all the difference.

When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is known as appendicitis — a common medical emergency that often requires surgery. According to Dr Raj Kumar, a general surgeon at the Government Hospital in Wanaparthy in Telangana, appendicitis typically begins with vague abdominal discomfort that worsens rapidly.

How Appendicitis Pain Usually Starts

One of the key warning signs of appendicitis is pain. In most cases, the pain begins around the navel and gradually shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. As inflammation increases, the pain becomes sharper and more intense. “Many patients mistake early symptoms for gas or stomach upset, which delays treatment,” Dr Raj Kumar explains.

As the condition progresses, even simple movements like walking, coughing, or lying on one side can worsen the pain. By this stage, medical attention becomes urgent.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis usually develops when the appendix gets blocked. This blockage may be caused by hardened stool, swollen lymph nodes, intestinal infections, or, in rare cases, tumours. Gastrointestinal infections can trigger swelling of lymph tissue near the appendix, leading to inflammation.

Certain bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, may also increase the risk. In extremely rare situations, trauma to the abdomen can result in appendicitis. Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix, causing swelling, infection, and pressure that can eventually lead to rupture if untreated.

Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person, but some warning signs are common. Persistent abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right side is the most telling sign. This is often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Fever and chills may develop as the body responds to infection.

Some patients also experience constipation or diarrhoea, making it harder to distinguish appendicitis from routine digestive issues. Doctors warn that if abdominal pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by fever and vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is essential.

How Doctors Diagnose Appendicitis

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, where doctors check for tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the abdomen. Blood tests are used to look for signs of infection, such as a raised white blood cell count.

Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans help confirm inflammation of the appendix and rule out other conditions, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which can mimic similar symptoms.

Treatment And Why Timing Matters

The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy — surgical removal of the appendix. In some early or mild cases, doctors may begin treatment with antibiotics, but surgery is often required if symptoms do not improve.

If the appendix ruptures, infection can spread to the abdominal cavity, leading to serious complications. “In severe cases, immediate surgery can be life-saving,” Dr Raj Kumar says. If tumours are found, further treatment may include surgery or chemotherapy, depending on whether they are benign or malignant.

Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?

While appendicitis cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may reduce the risk. A diet rich in fibre helps prevent constipation, which can contribute to blockage. Drinking adequate water supports digestion and reduces bowel obstruction.

Doctors also advise limiting processed foods, maintaining regular physical activity, and seeking timely medical care for digestive problems. “Healthy gut habits play an important role in lowering inflammation and supporting overall intestinal health,” Dr Raj Kumar adds.

Why Awareness Matters

Appendicitis can affect people of all ages and often strikes without warning. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care can prevent complications and speed recovery. Knowing when abdominal pain is more than just a stomach ache can make all the difference.

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