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Appendicitis
Consultation for appendicitis available online today
Request an evaluation for appendicitis online from our trusted, board-certified doctors and find relief. Our doctors can refer you to the nearest specialist for in-person treatment, if needed.*
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Can occur at any age, more common in teens and 20s
Appendicitis is not hereditary or contagious
Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of appendicitis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about appendicitis
The appendix is a small thin tube that is attached to the large intestine. It is located in the lower right part of your abdomen. Appendicitis is when the appendix gets infected and inflamed, causing pain in the lower right abdomen. According to the National Institutes of Health, appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain in the United States. When the inflamed appendix ruptures, it allow stool and infection to leak through the abdominal cavity, further triggering a serious complications such as peritonitis.
Appendicitis causes
Appendicitis can occur due to infections caused by bacteria, a virus, or parasites. Due to the infections, the appendix become inflamed and filled with pus. Other causes that can bring about an inflamed appendix include:
Abdominal injury
Tumor growth within the appendix
Inflammatory bowel disease
Obstruction (sometimes by stool) at the connection between the appendix and the intestines
Appendicitis symptoms
The key symptom of appendicitis is severe abdominal pain in the lower right region (where the appendix is located). This sharp pain typically gets worse with time, when you move, cough/sneeze, and/or when being touched.
This pain is often accompanied by other common symptoms of appendicitis such as:
Fever and chills
Swollen belly
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
How to treat appendicitis
Appendicitis is considered as a serious condition and thus, a medical emergency. The inflamed appendix risk bursting. Through the burst appendix, stool and infection can leak through the abdominal cavity, further triggering a serious infection called peritonitis. Therefore, when the appendicitis is diagnosed, the healthcare professional will perform surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy).
You maybe given antibiotics intravenously (IV) to treat the infection first, while the doctor observes your condition. Sometimes, mild appendicitis can improve with the antibiotics. However, appendectomy will still be performed to prevent rupture and contain the infection.
For surgery to remove the appendix, two options are available:
Laparoscopic surgery: This procedure is minimally invasive. During the procedure, several small abdominal incisions are made to allow a camera (laparoscope) to look into the abdominal cavity. With the help the laparoscope at the surgical site, the surgeon can see and perform the appendectomy using the surgical tools placed through the other small incisions. This approach is becoming common since the healing time is shorter. Some patients are able to return home the same day or within 24 hours.
Open surgery: This is a traditional procedure. An abdominal incision is made in the lower right side. If the appendix has burst, the pus and other fluids in the abdomen have to drained. The inflamed/ruptured appendix is located and removed.
The typical recovery time after appendectomy is a few days. If your appendix has burst, your recovery time will be longer. Normal lifestyle can resume after appendectomy.
Appendicitis medication
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections at different times. Before the surgery, antibiotics (typically in IV form) are given to fight infection. After the surgery, antibiotics can also be prescribed to treat infection, especially if your appendix ruptures.
Pain medications
Pain relievers can be prescribed to help with pain management after the appendectomy.
How to prevent appendicitis
At this time, there are no known/established ways to help prevent appendicitis. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, anyone at any age can develop appendicitis. However, it tend to happen to people in their teens and 20s. Also, note that appendicitis is not hereditary, nor is it contagious, so you cannot pass it to another person.
When to see a doctor for appendicitis
See a doctor immediately if you or your child has worrisome symptoms of appendicitis. Severe abdominal pain can constitute as a medical emergency. You should go to an emergency room immediately.
Based on your symptoms and medical history, if a doctor suspects appendicitis, some follow up tests can be performed to confirm:
Physical exam: Your doctor can perform a physical exam to assess your pain to help determine if it is appendicitis. Specifically, the doctor can apply pressure on the abdominal region.
Blood tests: White blood cell count is determined through the blood test. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection.
Urine tests: A urinalysis can be performed to check for urinary tract infection or a kidney stone.
Aside from the above tests, the doctor can use several imaging tests to see the blockage, or organ rupture:
Abdominal ultrasound: This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to see the internal organs.
Computed tomography (CT) scans: These use a combination of X-rays and computer to provide detailed images of any part of the body section by section.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This technique uses magnetic and radio waves to produce images of the organs in the body. This technique is used instead of a CT scan, especially if the patient is pregnant.
Appendicitis treatment FAQs
What are the early warning signs of appendicitis?
Belly pain and discomfort can be an early warning sign of appendicitis. The pain can begin in the middle of the abdomen (near the naval) and make its way to the lower right side of the abdomen with time. Eventually the belly pain is severe and located in the lower right region (where the appendix is located).
Other early symptoms of appendicitis can include:
A low grade fever
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
What does appendix pain feel like?
Appendix pain can start out feeling like any normal stomachache. Some people report feeling a sudden, dull pain near the naval in the beginning. However, with time, the pain migrates to the lower right side of the abdomen, becoming severe and sharp. The pain will also feel worse with movements such as walking, coughing/sneezing.
How do you rule out appendicitis?
To rule out appendicitis, your doctor can perform the following tests:
A physical exam: Your doctor can perform a physical exam to assess your pain to help determine if it is appendicitis.
Imaging: The doctor can use several imaging tests to help confirm appendicitis. They include an x-ray, an abdominal ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Blood test: A white blood cell count is determined. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection.
Urine test: This is performed to check for urinary tract infection or a kidney stone.
What is the immediate treatment for appendicitis?
Acute appendicitis is considered as a serious condition and thus, a medical emergency. The immediate treatment is surgical removal of the infected/ruptured appendix.
For surgery to remove the appendix, two options are available:
Open surgery: An abdominal incision is made on the lower right side. If the appendix has burst, the pus and other fluids in the abdomen have to be drained. The inflamed/ruptured appendix is located and removed.
Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, several small abdominal incisions are made to allow a camera (laparoscope) to look into the abdominal cavity. With the help of the laparoscope at the surgical site, the surgeon can see and perform the appendectomy using the surgical tools placed through the other small incisions.
Can appendicitis resolve on its own?
No. Appendicitis will not resolve on its own. With time, the appendix bursts, causing serious and fatal infection. If you have appendicitis, the consequences could be life-threatening, so you must seek emergency medical help immediately.
What happens if you ignore appendicitis?
Do not ignore appendicitis. The inflamed appendix risk bursting. Through the burst appendix, stool and infection can leak through the abdominal cavity, further triggering a serious infection called peritonitis. Peritonitis is life threatening and can result in death if untreated.
3 simple steps to request a consultation for appendicitis symptoms today
Step 1
Book an appendicitis consultation appointment.
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your appendicitis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Visit a specialist or hospital for further treatment, if needed.
Our physicians can refer you to the nearest specialist.
Related conditions to appendicitis
Abdominal pain & discomfort
Abdominal pain and discomfort is a symptom of appendicitis. Appendicitis pain typically begin in the middle of the abdomen (near the naval) and can travel to the lower right side of the abdomen with time, becoming constant and severe.
Appendicitis consultation pricing details
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Paying without insurance
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$16.99/month
First month free
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30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Appendicitis Resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Mayo Clinic. "Appendicitis - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 17, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543
Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Appendicitis." Johns Hopkins Medicine, Accessed October 17, 2023, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/appendicitis
Cleveland Clinic. "Appendicitis." Cleveland Clinic, Accessed October 17, 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8095-appendicitis
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "Appendicitis." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Accessed October 17, 2023, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.