What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on June 06, 2025
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The symptoms of appendicitis include migratory pain to the lower right abdomen, with some patients directly experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen. This is because the appendix is located in the ileocecal area of the lower right abdomen, and the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum. When the appendix becomes inflamed, it manifests as pain in the lower right abdomen or migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. The inflammation of appendicitis is generally caused by a blockage in the appendix cavity due to a fecalith, limiting secretion, and bacterial growth within the appendix cavity. Therefore, it is generally recommended to start anti-inflammatory treatment for appendicitis as soon as possible. If the inflammation is severe, surgery should be performed as soon as possible to remove the appendix and completely cure the inflammation. The symptoms of appendicitis also appear as migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. A few patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If the appendix perforates, symptoms include pain across the abdomen, tenderness, and abdominal muscle rigidity indicative of peritonitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is caused by both anatomical factors of the body and lifestyle dietary patterns. The appendix is a tube that is open at one end and closed at the other, communicating with the cecum. Due to its narrow and long nature, it is easy for fecal matter to block the appendix, leading to increased pressure within the tube, mucosal ischemia necrosis, and subsequently triggering inflammation. Additionally, irregular eating habits, such as binge eating, habitual drinking, and consumption of spicy food, can provoke inflammation of the appendix. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically. The laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used nowadays, which is a minimally invasive treatment that allows for a faster recovery and leaves smaller scars on the body surface.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long does acute appendicitis hurt?

The pain associated with appendicitis is directly related to the severity of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, pain can be significantly relieved after using antispasmodic analgesics. However, if acute appendicitis leads to a suppurative appendix or perforation, the abdominal pain will last for a very long time, accompanied by signs of peritoneal irritation, such as tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen. Therefore, the main principle of treating acute appendicitis is to perform surgery to remove the suppurative appendix. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a viable option, as it involves less bleeding and allows for a faster postoperative recovery.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis cause back pain?

Appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum generally causes back pain, along with gastrointestinal irritation symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis at the cecum location will cause pain in the lower right abdomen, with significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is most often treated surgically. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and a faster recovery thereafter. Postoperative care is important, including regular dressing changes of the surgical incision. The stitches can usually be removed about a week after surgery. Dietary adjustments are necessary after surgery, starting with a semi-liquid diet and gradually transitioning to a normal diet. At least two weeks of rest are recommended postoperatively.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Appendicitis how many days to be discharged

The length of hospital stay after appendicitis treatment varies greatly depending on the individual's constitution, the severity of the appendicitis, and the method of treatment used. If the symptoms are mild and only conservative medication treatment is chosen, then you can be discharged after the symptoms disappear. If surgical treatment is chosen, then it's typical to observe for three to five days post-surgery; if there are no significant signs of infection or pus formation, then discharge can be considered, followed by observational treatment. If there is significant pus formation, or cases of gangrene or perforation that lead to severe peritonitis, routine anti-infection treatment should be administered post-surgery. Therefore, the treatment period may be longer, requiring a waiting period until the inflammation is completely resolved before discharge.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to relieve pain from acute appendicitis

For rapid pain relief in acute appendicitis, one can choose antispasmodic or sedative medications. However, it is important to note that acute appendicitis often requires surgical treatment clinically. If the pain is not particularly severe, conservative medication treatment can also be chosen, using sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory pain relief. If surgery involves appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy is generally chosen, which has less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. Only after the appendix is removed can the onset of acute appendicitis be effectively controlled or the transition from acute to chronic appendicitis prevented. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)