Appendicitis is a common cause of sudden and severe abdominal pain, and it is usually characterized by distinct symptoms that make it easy for doctors to diagnose it. However, there are other, less common symptoms of appendicitis that you should also know about. (1)


In this article, we'll review the most common symptoms of appendicitis, while highlighting some lesser-known signs.


Common appendicitis symptoms

Abdominal pain it is the most common symptom of appendicitis. It usually begins near the umbilicus, then moves to the lower right part of the abdomen. This pain is distinguished from other abdominal pain in that it: (2)


  • Sharp and sudden.
  • Severe and different from any previous familiar pain.
  • It starts suddenly and may wake you from sleep.
  • It gets worse with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
  • It develops and gets worse in less than 48 hours in most cases. (3)



Other common symptoms which may be associated with abdominal pain in appendicitis: (3)


  • Nausea (61-92% of cases).
  • Anorexia (74-78% of cases).
  • Vomiting (50% of cases).




"One of the signs that doctors use to diagnose appendicitis are the Blomberg sign, which you can try at home, where pressure is applied to the painful abdominal area and then quickly released. If you feel severe pain when you release the pressure, it is likely that you have appendicitis."



Less common appendicitis symptoms

Besides abdominal pain, other symptoms of appendicitis include: (4)


  • Mild fever, which may rise as abdominal pain increases.
  • Flatulence.
  • Constipation or diarrhea.
  • Gases.


Symptoms of appendicitis in children

Appendicitis symptoms may not appear clearly in young children because they are unable to describe their feelings accurately, so it is important to consult a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately if you notice abnormal pain in your child, or if he shows symptoms of discomfort, such as: (2)


  • Increased movement and crying.
  • Poor nutrition or unwillingness to drink milk.
  • Refuse to walk due to the severity of the pain.


Emergency review

All cases of appendicitis are emergencies and require immediate medical attention, as they will be quickly removed by surgery in most cases. Before it suddenly explodes or ruptures inside the body, causing the infection to spread to the entire abdomen. (5)

The risk of appendicitis rupture increases over time, especially if abdominal pain lasts more than a day. If a rupture occurs, you may experience brief relief from the pain; Due to a temporary decrease in pressure, but it soon returns and worsens. (5)

For this reason, if you experience symptoms of appendicitis, it is important to visit an emergency room immediately; to prevent any serious complications. (5)




Al-Ahli Hospital Emergency Department is fully equipped and ready to receive all emergency cases—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without exception.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of appendicitis or any other urgent condition, don’t delay—visit us immediately for prompt and expert medical care.



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