Appendicitis: Symptoms, Causes & When You Need Emergency Care

Published on: 8 July 2025

Stomach pain isn't uncommon in India—sometimes it's a heavy meal, sometimes it's a bad case of indigestion. But every so often, that discomfort in your lower right abdomen may be something far more dangerous: appendicitis.

Appendicitis is one of the most frequent causes of emergency abdominal surgery worldwide, and it doesn't discriminate—it affects children, adults, and seniors alike. If left untreated, it can quickly turn from a nagging ache into a life-threatening emergency involving a ruptured appendix.

In this blog, we'll answer the most common patient questions related to appendicitis—its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and, most importantly, when you should rush to the emergency room. This information is based on current medical understanding and practices, with insights from experienced gastroenterologists at centres like Bangalore Gastro Centre, known for their expertise in handling digestive emergencies.

What is Appendicitis? Understanding the Inflamed Appendix

The appendix is a small, tube-shaped pouch about 4-6 cm long, located in the lower right side of your abdomen. It's connected to the beginning of the large intestine. For a long time, the appendix was thought to be a useless vestigial organ, but now, researchers believe it may have a role in supporting gut immunity.

What Exactly is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus due to obstruction, infection, or other causes. When the pressure builds, blood flow decreases, allowing bacteria to multiply. Left untreated, the appendix can burst—leading to a ruptured appendix and potentially life-threatening infection.

Types of Appendicitis:

Acute Appendicitis: Sudden onset, requires quick medical attention. This is the most common form.
Chronic Appendicitis: Less common. Symptoms are milder and occur over weeks or months.

Why Is It Dangerous?

A ruptured appendix can lead to:

Peritonitis: A severe infection of the abdominal cavity
Abscess formation
Sepsis, a potentially fatal complication

Watch: Silent Threat: How Appendix Issues Impact Women's Health – an informative video by Bangalore Gastro Centre on how appendicitis affects women in particular.

Appendicitis Symptoms: How to Spot Acute Appendicitis

What Are the Symptoms?

One of the tricky things about appendicitis symptoms is that they can mimic other abdominal issues, especially in Indian households where spicy food, acidity, or IBS are often blamed.

Common Symptoms Include:

Pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation or diarrhoea
Swelling or bloating in the abdomen

What Makes the Pain Unique?

In acute appendicitis, the pain typically:

Starts near the belly button
Becomes sharp and localised to the lower right side (McBurney's point)
Increases with movement, coughing, or pressing the abdomen

Signs of a Ruptured Appendix:

Sudden relief from pain followed by intense abdominal distress
High fever, chills, and severe bloating
Rigid or board-like abdomen

How to Know if You Have Appendicitis — Early Warning Signs Explained

Every stomach ache isn't appendicitis. But some are. So how do you know if you have appendicitis?

Self-Check at Home (Indicative, Not Diagnostic):

Is the pain sharp and shifting to the lower right?
Does it get worse when you walk or cough?
Are you feeling nauseous or feverish?

Clinical Evaluation:

Physical Exam: Checking McBurney's point for tenderness
Lab Tests: High white blood cell count suggests infection
Imaging:
- Ultrasound: Often used first, especially for children and pregnant women
- CT Scan: More definitive in adults

At Bangalore Gastro Centre, these diagnostics are performed promptly, especially in emergency settings.

Conditions That Can Mimic Appendicitis:

Gastroenteritis
Urinary tract infections
Ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy in women
Kidney stones

Is Appendicitis an Emergency? Why Prompt Care Matters

Let's be clear: Yes, appendicitis is an emergency.

If left untreated for even a few hours, especially in acute appendicitis, the appendix may burst. This can release bacteria into the abdominal cavity, causing widespread infection (peritonitis), shock, and even death if not managed quickly.

Why Time is Critical:

The risk of a ruptured appendix increases significantly after 24–72 hours of symptom onset [Source: Reputable Medical Journal]
Delays in treatment can lead to more complex surgeries and longer hospital stays

Emergency Care at Gastro Centres:

Emergency departments in places like Bangalore Gastro Centre are equipped to:

Rapidly assess symptoms
Conduct necessary scans and labs
Prepare the patient for immediate surgery if needed

Can Appendicitis Go Away on Its Own? Debunking Myths

There's a popular myth, especially in Indian households, that you can "wait it out" or "treat it with home remedies."

The Reality:

In most cases, appendicitis does not resolve without medical intervention.
Delaying treatment can lead to a ruptured appendix, which increases morbidity and mortality.

When Can Non-Surgical Management Work?

In very select cases (usually diagnosed in hospital), antibiotics alone may be tried:

For patients unfit for surgery
When symptoms are mild and localised
Under close medical observation and follow-up

However, there's always a risk of recurrence. That's why many specialists—including those at Bangalore Gastro Centre—often recommend surgical removal for long-term safety.

Appendicitis Treatment — From Antibiotics to Surgery

Once diagnosed, the treatment plan depends on whether the appendix has ruptured.

Initial Treatment:

IV fluids and antibiotics to stabilise the patient
Pain management

Surgical Approaches:

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Preferred method; involves 3 small incisions

Shorter hospital stay
Less pain and scarring
Faster recovery

Open Surgery:

Required in cases of rupture, abscess, or complex anatomy
Longer recovery but life-saving in emergencies

Recovery Timelines:

Laparoscopic: 2–3 days of hospital stay
Open: 5–7 days depending on complications

Post-Surgery Care:

Soft diet for a few days
Avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks
Follow-up visit within 7–10 days

Appendicitis Causes & Risk Factors

Common Causes:

Obstruction of the appendix by:

Stool (fecalith)
Swollen lymph nodes
Foreign bodies
Infections: Particularly viral or gastrointestinal infections

Who's at Risk?

Age: Commonly between 10–30 years
Gender: Slightly more common in males
Family history
Low-fibre, high-fat diet (a rising trend in urban Indian diets)

Risk factors linked to changing diet patterns and hygiene levels in India.

When Should You Head to Emergency If Appendicitis is Suspected?

Go to the ER if:

You have continuous abdominal pain shifting to the right lower abdomen
Fever with vomiting or loss of appetite
Pain worsens on walking or touching the belly

What to Avoid Before You See a Doctor:

Do not take over-the-counter painkillers—they can mask symptoms
Do not eat or drink if surgery is anticipated

If you're near Bangalore, Bangalore Gastro Centre offers round-the-clock access to gastro specialists and diagnostic support.

Appendicitis: Prevention & What Comes After Treatment

Can It Be Prevented?

Not entirely. But healthy digestive practices may reduce the risk:

High-fibre diet: Fruits, veggies, whole grains
Hydration: Drink plenty of water
Avoid self-medication for recurring abdominal pain

Post-Treatment Advice:

Eat light and balanced meals
Avoid heavy lifting and physical strain
Keep your surgical area clean and dry
Watch for signs of infection: fever, redness, or discharge

Gastro centres like Bangalore Gastro Centre also ensure that patients receive long-term dietary and health guidance.

Explore our blog on Colonoscopy: Why, When & How This Life-Saving Test Works to understand more about digestive health evaluations.

To Conclude

Appendicitis is not just another stomach ache. It's an unpredictable condition that can escalate quickly. Knowing the warning signs, seeking timely help, and choosing the right care centre can prevent serious complications.

Key Takeaways:

Appendicitis symptoms should never be ignored, especially if persistent or worsening.
It's a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is essential to avoid a ruptured appendix.
Though some mild cases may be managed with antibiotics, surgery remains the gold standard.
Post-surgical recovery is manageable with expert follow-up and lifestyle modifications.

If in doubt, seek medical care immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your appendix!