Answers
Is it appendicitis or just gas? Pain in the lower right belly
Short answer
Appendicitis pain usually starts around the navel and moves to the lower right belly over several hours, getting steadily worse, with loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes fever. Gas pain moves around, comes and goes, and eases after passing gas or stool. Suspected appendicitis is an emergency and needs a doctor the same day.
Signs of appendicitis
- Pain that begins around the navel, then settles in the lower right belly
- Pain that keeps getting worse over 6 to 24 hours
- Pain worse on walking, coughing or going over bumps
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and low fever
Signs that suggest gas
- Cramping that moves around the belly, and comes and goes
- Relief after passing gas or stool
- Bloating after meals, without fever or vomiting
- You can eat and move about normally
Other causes of lower right belly pain
- Kidney stone: severe pain from the back to the groin, often with urine changes
- In women and girls: ovarian cysts and, if pregnancy is possible, an ectopic pregnancy, which is an emergency
- Intestinal TB, Crohn's disease, or a urine infection
What to do
Go to a doctor or emergency department the same day if pain is getting worse, or if there is fever, vomiting or pain on walking. Do not take strong painkillers, laxatives or enemas at home, as they can hide the signs or make things worse. The diagnosis is made with an examination, blood tests and an ultrasound or CT scan. Appendicitis is usually treated with keyhole surgery; some mild cases are treated with antibiotics.
Eating with belly pain
If pain is mild
- Light food and fluids if pain is mild and settling
- A short walk, which helps trapped gas move
- Warm water or soup
Avoid
- Eating or drinking if appendicitis is suspected, until a doctor has seen you
- Strong painkillers, laxatives or enemas at home
- Heavy, fried meals when the belly hurts
Good to know
- Surgery is safer on an empty stomach, which is why doctors ask you not to eat.
- After keyhole appendix surgery, most people eat normally within a day or two.
Common questions
Can appendicitis go away on its own?
Pain can sometimes ease for a while, but an inflamed appendix can burst. Do not wait at home if appendicitis is suspected.
Is the appendix needed?
Life without the appendix is normal. Removing it causes no long-term digestive problems.
Can appendicitis be treated without surgery?
Some mild, uncomplicated cases are treated with antibiotics, but appendicitis may return. Your surgeon will advise based on the scan.