Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix: a narrow pouch at the start of the large bowel, usually in the lower right abdomen. Symptoms may worsen quickly. Without treatment, the appendix may perforate and cause severe peritonitis, inflammation of the abdominal lining, or an abscess.

• Pain often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side within hours, but not everyone has this pattern.
• Nausea, reduced appetite, vomiting and mild fever are common.
• Pain that increases with walking, coughing, jumping or touch makes inflammation in the abdomen more likely.
• Call your family doctor or out-of-hours service the same day for increasing abdominal pain and suspected appendicitis; do not wait until the next day.
• Diagnosis is based on the history, physical examination and often blood tests, urine tests and imaging.
• Surgery is the most common treatment. In selected situations, antibiotics or drainage may be part of the plan.