Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is a sudden and painful inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to your large intestine that requires prompt medical treatment.
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Your appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch connected to the beginning of your large intestine, located in the lower right side of your belly. When the opening of this pouch gets blocked, bacteria can become trapped inside and multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to swell and become infected.
This condition is known as acute appendicitis, and it is a medical emergency. Because the appendix can burst if it becomes too swollen, doctors need to diagnose and treat it quickly to keep you safe and healthy.
Common Symptoms
- A dull pain near your belly button that shifts to the lower right side of your abdomen and becomes sharp.
- Loss of appetite or feeling like you cannot eat.
- Nausea and vomiting shortly after the abdominal pain begins.
- A low-grade fever that may increase as the inflammation worsens.
- Swelling of the abdomen or feeling bloated.
- Pain or tenderness when you press on your lower right abdomen or walk and cough.