Appendicitis: When to Worry About Abdominal Pain and What Comes Next
Is your stomach pain just gas or appendicitis? Learn how to spot the difference, understand surgery options, and recover safely. Your complete guide to appendicitis care.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common yet confusing health complaints. While it’s often harmless (like gas or indigestion), it can sometimes signal a medical emergency like appendicitis. Misdiagnosing appendicitis as gas pain delays critical treatment, raising the risk of complications. In this guide, we’ll help you:
Differentiate between gas pain and appendicitis.
Know when to seek emergency care.
Prepare for appendectomy surgery and recovery.
Is It Gas Pain or Appendicitis? Key Differences
Appendicitis and gas pain share overlapping symptoms, but subtle differences matter:
Starts near belly button, moves to lower right abdomen
Severe, worsens over 12–24 hours
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
For a detailed breakdown, read our guide: Appendicitis vs. Gas Pain: How to Tell the Difference.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Appendicitis requires urgent care. Seek help if you experience:
✅ Rebound Tenderness: Pain worsens when pressing the lower right abdomen.
✅ Inability to Pass Gas: Despite feeling bloated.
✅ High Fever + Vomiting: Especially with right-sided pain.
Delaying treatment can cause the appendix to rupture, leading to life-threatening infections.
What Happens Next? The Appendectomy Process
If diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery (appendectomy) is the standard treatment. Here’s what to expect:
Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive, 1–3 small incisions (faster recovery).
Open Surgery: Used for ruptured appendixes (longer recovery).
1–2 Weeks: Return to light activities.
4–6 Weeks: Full recovery (avoid heavy lifting).
For a step-by-step recovery plan, read: Appendectomy Surgery: Complete Recovery Guide.
