How the pain starts
It often begins as a vague ache around the navel, then within hours moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and a low fever may follow.
Do not rely on painkillers alone
Painkillers can mask the pain and delay diagnosis. If the pain continues or worsens with walking or coughing, same-day assessment is safer than waiting.
How is it confirmed?
- Clinical examination.
- A blood test looking for inflammation.
- Ultrasound, and sometimes a CT scan if the picture is unclear.
Treatment
Removing the appendix is the usual treatment once inflammation is confirmed, most often by laparoscopy through small incisions. Delay after a perforation lengthens recovery.
Severe abdominal pain with vomiting or fever is not a home remedy for colic until surgical causes have been ruled out.
This article is for general education and does not replace a medical examination or your doctor’s advice.
