About this condition
Acute appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and may become dangerous without prompt assessment. Suspected appendicitis should be evaluated urgently in a hospital, not deferred to a routine consultation.
What matters most
Pain often begins near the middle of the abdomen and later shifts toward the right lower side, but the location can be atypical. Fever, nausea and reduced appetite may accompany pain; none of these signs alone proves the diagnosis.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
Progressive or persistent abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting and fever are possible features. Children, older adults and pregnant patients can present differently, making home diagnosis unreliable.
How it differs from similar conditions
Urinary problems, gynaecological conditions, bowel inflammation and other abdominal emergencies can resemble appendicitis. Only a qualified examination and, when needed, investigations can distinguish them safely.
Assessment and investigations
Urgent hospital assessment includes an examination and vital signs. Blood or urine tests and ultrasound, CT or other imaging are selected according to the patient and the findings; surgeons decide next steps.
Care options and limitations
Hospital clinicians select treatment, including whether an operation or another approach is appropriate. Do not rely on self-prescribed antibiotics or pain medicines as a substitute for urgent evaluation.
When emergency help is needed
If appendicitis is suspected, seek hospital emergency assessment promptly. Call 103 or 112 if abdominal pain is severe or spreading, fainting occurs or the person becomes markedly weak; never wait for a routine booking.
Related information
Bowel obstruction; Femoral hernia; Epigastric (linea alba) hernia.
Signs and symptoms
Progressive or persistent abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting and fever are possible features. Children, older adults and pregnant patients can present differently, making home diagnosis unreliable.
Diagnosis and tests
Urgent hospital assessment includes an examination and vital signs. Blood or urine tests and ultrasound, CT or other imaging are selected according to the patient and the findings; surgeons decide next steps.
Care and treatment approaches
Hospital clinicians select treatment, including whether an operation or another approach is appropriate. Do not rely on self-prescribed antibiotics or pain medicines as a substitute for urgent evaluation.
When to seek urgent care
If appendicitis is suspected, seek hospital emergency assessment promptly. Call 103 or 112 if abdominal pain is severe or spreading, fainting occurs or the person becomes markedly weak; never wait for a routine booking.
Frequently asked questions
Does appendicitis always cause pain on the right?
No. Pain may start centrally and can have an unusual location, so its position alone cannot exclude appendicitis.
Can I check for appendicitis safely at home?
No. Diagnosis needs trained medical assessment and sometimes tests or imaging.
Does every patient receive the same treatment?
No. Hospital specialists decide the safest approach after assessing severity and the individual situation.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
