Do You Have Appendicitis? Symptom Checker

Do I Have Appendicitis? Try This Quick Quiz

Answer these simple questions to better understand your symptoms:

• Do you have sudden pain in the lower right side of your belly?
• Did the pain start near your belly button and move lower?
• Are you feeling sick or have you vomited?
• Have you lost your appetite?
• Do you have a mild fever?
• Does moving, coughing, or sneezing make the pain worse?

Take a moment and count your "Yes" answers.

What Do Your Answers Mean?

• Mostly "Yes": Your symptoms could match appendicitis. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Mostly "No": Appendicitis is less likely, but keep watching your symptoms. If pain worsens or new signs appear, seek medical advice.

Remember: This quiz is only a guide. Always talk to a healthcare professional to be sure.

Ready for a full check? Try the full Symptom Checker now and get answers in minutes

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis happens when your appendix becomes inflamed and swollen. This small organ, located in the lower right side of your belly, can become blocked and infected.

If untreated, appendicitis can get worse quickly and lead to serious problems. That’s why it’s considered a medical emergency.

Knowing the signs early can make a big difference. Getting help fast can prevent complications and make treatment easier.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis

Not everyone experiences appendicitis the same way. Still, there are common symptoms you should know about:

• Sudden pain, often starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever (though not always present)
• Bloating or gas
• Pain that gets worse when you move, cough, or sneeze

If you notice a few of these symptoms together, it’s smart to take them seriously.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis usually starts when the appendix becomes blocked. This can happen because of:

• Hard stool, which may also result from your diet
• A foreign object
• An infection that causes swelling

Once blocked, bacteria build up, leading to infection and inflammation.

Interestingly, a study shows that males are slightly more likely to develop appendicitis than females.

It’s often sudden and can’t really be prevented.

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Only a doctor can diagnose appendicitis. Here’s how they do it:

• Physical exam: Pressing on your belly to check for pain.
• Review of your symptoms: Discussing when and how the pain started.
• Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging like CT scans or ultrasounds to confirm.

Remember: Docus Symptom Checker helps you understand your symptoms, but diagnosis requires a medical expert.

How Is Appendicitis Treated?

Treatment for appendicitis usually means surgery. The appendix is removed in a procedure called an appendectomy. This prevents the infection from spreading.

In some cases, if caught very early, doctors may use antibiotics first. Still, surgery is the most common and effective option.

Appendicitis should never be ignored. Waiting too long can cause the appendix to burst, which is very dangerous.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Some signs mean you should stop guessing and get medical help right away:

• Sudden or severe pain that gets worse quickly
• Pain along with fever or vomiting
• Pain so bad you can’t stand up straight or move easily

Don’t wait if you have these symptoms. Seeing a doctor fast can protect your health and even save your life