Appendicitis: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as appendix pain.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Pain classically starts around the navel and settles in the lower right abdomen, worsening over hours. A swollen appendix can burst and cause a life-threatening infection, so it is a surgical emergency — not something to manage at home.
Symptoms
Pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen
Pain worse with movement, coughing or pressing
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Low-grade fever
Constipation or diarrhoea
Causes & risk factors
Blockage of the appendix opening (often by hard stool)
Infection causing the appendix to swell
More common between ages 10 and 30
Treatment & self-care
Confirmed appendicitis is treated by removing the appendix in hospital, with antibiotics around surgery; delay risks rupture and widespread infection. Do not take strong painkillers, purges or enemas while awaiting assessment, as they can mask or worsen the problem. Recovery after timely surgery is usually quick.
See a doctor urgently if
Steady, worsening pain in the lower right abdomen
Abdominal pain with fever and vomiting
Pain so severe you cannot stand straight or walk
A rigid, very tender abdomen
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Appendicitis?
Early signs often include pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen, pain worse with movement, coughing or pressing, loss of appetite. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Appendicitis be treated?
Confirmed appendicitis is treated by removing the appendix in hospital, with antibiotics around surgery; delay risks rupture and widespread infection. Do not take strong painkillers, purges or enemas while awaiting assessment, as they can mask or worsen the problem. Recovery after timely surgery is usually quick.
When should I see a doctor about Appendicitis?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: steady, worsening pain in the lower right abdomen; abdominal pain with fever and vomiting; pain so severe you cannot stand straight or walk; a rigid, very tender abdomen. These can be signs of an emergency — if severe, go to the nearest emergency room or call 112 or 199.