The earliest symptom of ‘acute appendicitis’ is a gnawing pain at the upper abdomen, most often passed off as hunger pangs. But unlike hunger pangs, acute appendicitis is accompanied by fever, vomiting and loose bowel movement in some cases. A few hours after the initial episode, the pain concentrates at the right lower abdomen where the appendix is located. If a pain reliever has been taken at the onset, the symptom may be masked or modified.

Other conditions can be mistaken for ‘acute appendicitis’ such as gynecological infection in women (ovarian cyst, pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy) or urinary track infection in both sexes. That’s why blood and urine tests are required so that the other conditions can be differentiated.

If the condition is overlooked or immediate surgery is not done, the appendix will rupture and the infection can affect other organs. This can lead to abscess formation, and then to blood poisoning which can be fatal.

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