What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Appendicitis classically starts as dull pain near the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen and sharpens over hours, joined by loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and a low-grade fever. The pain typically worsens with coughing or movement.
The Classic Symptom Picture
Appendicitis usually follows a recognizable sequence rather than appearing all at once. Understanding the order helps distinguish it from an ordinary stomachache.
- Migrating pain. The earliest sign is often a vague, dull ache around the belly button. Over several hours it moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper and more constant.
- Pain that worsens with movement. Coughing, walking, or any jarring of the abdomen makes it hurt more. Many people find it more comfortable to lie still with the right knee drawn up.
- Loss of appetite. A sudden, noticeable drop in appetite very commonly accompanies the pain.
- Nausea and vomiting. These usually begin after the abdominal pain starts — an important detail, since a stomach bug typically causes vomiting first.
- Low-grade fever. A mild fever is common early and may climb as inflammation progresses.
- Abdominal tenderness or bloating. The belly becomes tender and guarded, sometimes with swelling or a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.
What These Symptoms Mean
The migrating pattern reflects how the appendix becomes inflamed: early, diffuse irritation is felt near the navel, and as inflammation reaches the abdominal wall, the pain localizes over the appendix in the lower right. The tell-tale combination — pain that moves, then worsens, plus loss of appetite and nausea following the pain — is what points a physician toward appendicitis rather than indigestion or a viral illness.
Which Symptoms Are Dangerous
Some symptoms signal that the appendix may have ruptured, which is a medical emergency:
- Sudden, severe pain that spreads across the whole abdomen — sometimes after a period when the pain briefly felt better
- A rigid, board-like, or intensely tender belly
- High fever with chills
- Feeling faint or very unwell
These suggest peritonitis, a serious infection of the abdominal lining. Call 911 or get emergency care right away.
Symptoms Can Look Different in Some People
Children, pregnant patients, and older adults may not follow the classic pattern — pain can be located differently or be less pronounced. In pregnancy, the growing uterus can push the appendix higher, so pain may be felt in the upper right abdomen. Any persistent or worsening abdominal pain in these groups warrants prompt in-person evaluation.
For a complete guide, see our appendicitis page. Bellaire ER is open 24/7 at 5302 Bellaire Blvd — walk in or call (713) 660-0001.