Where Can You Feel Pain From an Infected Appendix?
An infected appendix usually causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, according to Healthline. However, some patients have pain in the upper and lower abdomen, back and rectum, reports WebMD.
Although appendicitis pain localizes in the lower right abdomen, the pain often begins near the belly button before moving to the lower abdomen, states WedMD. Initially, the pain near the belly button is dull, but later increases in intensity, shooting sharp pains as it moves to the lower right abdomen.
In addition to pain, other symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal swelling, low-grade fever, nausea and constipation, according to WebMD. Painful urination, cramping and diarrhea are also possible symptoms.
Appendicitis is a life-threatening condition that results from an obstruction in the appendix, reports WebMD. Fecal matter, foreign bodies and cancer can cause obstructions in the appendix; however, appendicitis can also result from an infection in the body, which causes the organ to swell.
An infected appendix often requires surgery, states Healthline, although in rare cases it may respond to antibiotics alone. In the case that the appendix is not ruptured, doctors first treat the infection before performing surgery to remove the appendix. However, a ruptured appendix requires immediate surgery, due to the fatality of the condition.
