Appendicitis pain typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, and it often becomes sharper and more constant over a few hours. Key features to watch for include:
- Pain that shifts from around the belly button to the lower right side (McBurney’s point)
- Increasing intensity and persistence, especially with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area
- Associated symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, fever, and sometimes swelling or constipation/diarrhea
If you or someone else experiences sudden, severe abdominal pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen, particularly with fever, vomiting, or inability to pass gas, seek emergency medical care promptly. Appendicitis can progress quickly and may require urgent evaluation and treatment. Notes for context:
- Gas or indigestion can mimic abdominal discomfort, but appendicitis pain is typically localized to the lower right quadrant and worsens over time.
- Pain location and progression can vary somewhat, and in early stages may be less specific; females may have overlapping gynecologic symptoms that require medical assessment.
If you’d like, provide any details about your symptoms (onset, location, intensity, associated signs), and can offer a more tailored outline of what to expect in a medical evaluation.