5 Signs Your Stomachache is Actually Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a leading cause of abdominal pain in adolescents and adults in the United States. If you have intense abdominal pain or other symptoms of appendicitis, it’s vital that you get medical attention to prevent a potentially life-threatening infection.

At Sierra Pacific Surgical, we specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat appendicitis and other medical emergencies.

Our highly skilled surgeons use the latest laparoscopic techniques to remove your appendix without damaging surrounding tissue.  Our expertise ensures that you recover quickly, so you can get back to good health and your routine.

An overview of appendicitis

Your appendix is a tube-shaped pouch that extends from the lower-right end of your large intestine. The function of this organ isn’t well understood, but it’s believed that the appendix stores microbes that are necessary for good gut health.

Appendicitis develops when feces in the large intestine block the appendix. The blockage can lead to inflammation and/or infection in the appendix, which can also swell up and eventually rupture.

A ruptured appendix is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Once the structure bursts, bacteria and other toxins spread quickly through your abdominal cavity and can ultimately enter your bloodstream. Once in the blood, a life-threatening condition known as sepsis can occur.

Appendicitis symptoms are sometimes mistaken for less serious health issues, especially in the early stages of the condition. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of its indications, so you can get the treatment you need without delay.

5  signs of appendicitis

Appendicitis symptoms can vary from person to person depending on their age, medical history, and the positioning of the appendix. However, there are five common signs of appendicitis, including:

1. Pain that changes location

In early stages of appendicitis, pain may originate near the belly button. As the condition worsens, you could notice pain that travels into the lower-right abdomen.

2. Worsening pain with activity

Appendicitis pain typically lasts several hours or days and gets worse with activity, especially sudden movements like sneezing, coughing, and laughing.

3. Intense abdominal pain

The pain associated with appendicitis can become severe. Many people who have the condition deal with sleep disruptions because of severe pain that prevents them from falling asleep or wakes them up during the night.

4. Pain with urination

Sometimes, appendicitis is confused with a urinary tract infection (UTI) because it can cause painful urination or difficulties starting the flow of urine.

5. Other gastrointestinal symptoms

In addition to abdominal pain, appendicitis can cause nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, and trouble passing gas.

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider right away. 

Our experienced surgeons can collaborate with your physician on a surgical plan to remove your appendix before it bursts during a minimally invasive appendectomy. We also provide emergency services to address a ruptured appendix, so you can avoid sepsis and other complications.

Call the nearest Sierra Pacific Surgical office in Grass Valley, Sacramento, Folsom, or Roseville, California, today to learn more about our appendectomy services. You can also request an appointment online.