Appendicitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Appendicitis?
A general surgeon operates on the appendix. An emergency room doctor often makes the first diagnosis. Your primary care doctor can send you for urgent evaluation if symptoms are unclear. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that needs care right away. Its most common symptom is pain in the belly. It can have more than one cause, and in many cases the cause is not clear. Hardened stool or growths can block the opening inside the appendix.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain in the abdomen, or belly. With appendicitis, the pain may:
- Begin near the belly button and move lower and to the right.
- Start suddenly, and may even wake you if you are sleeping.
- Get worse when you move, breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze.
- Be severe, and may feel unlike any pain you have had before.
- Come before other symptoms and worsen within hours.
Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, fever, and a swollen belly. Some people also have bowel problems. These include trouble passing gas, constipation, or diarrhea. But some people, especially children, have none of these typical symptoms. Talk with a doctor right away about belly pain.
Causes and who gets it
Appendicitis can have more than one cause. In many cases the cause is not clear. Hardened stool or growths can block the opening inside the appendix. Enlarged tissue in the appendix wall can also cause it. That swelling comes from infection in the digestive tract or elsewhere in the body. Inflammatory bowel disease, a long-lasting swelling of the intestines, is another cause.
How doctors diagnose it
The doctor reviews your symptoms and history and does a physical exam. They press gently on the belly to find the pain. A blood test can show a high white blood cell count, a sign of infection. A C-reactive protein (CRP) test looks for other causes of swelling.
Imaging tests show whether the pain is appendicitis. An ultrasound uses sound waves. It does not use X-rays, and it is the first test for infants, children, young adults, and pregnant women. An MRI scan takes pictures without X-rays and can replace a CT scan safely. A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images.
Treatment
Doctors usually treat appendicitis by removing the appendix. This surgery is called an appendectomy. It is done in a hospital under general anesthesia, medicine that makes you sleep. Prompt surgery lowers the chance that the appendix will burst.
The surgeon may use laparoscopic surgery. That means a small cut and a thin tube with a tiny camera. Or they may use open surgery, with one larger cut in the lower-right belly. Laparoscopic surgery is becoming more common. It generally has fewer problems and a shorter recovery.
Anyone who might have appendicitis gets antibiotics before surgery. Some mild cases can be treated with antibiotics alone. Some people improve and do not need surgery. But surgery remains the standard of care. If the appendix bursts and causes an abscess, a pocket of pus, doctors drain the pus so it can heal.
When to see a doctor
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you think you or your child has it. Belly pain that starts suddenly, is severe, or gets worse when you move, cough, or sneeze can be a sign. Fever, nausea, or vomiting can come with it.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can check belly pain early. They can help you decide when to seek emergency care and can plan follow-up after surgery.
Common questions
How serious is a burst appendix?
A burst appendix can spread infection inside the belly. This condition, called peritonitis, can threaten your life if it is not treated quickly. In most cases, a surgeon operates right away to clean the belly and remove the appendix.
Can appendicitis be treated without surgery?
Some mild cases may be treated with antibiotics alone, and some people improve and do not need surgery. But surgery remains the standard of care. Researchers are studying who can safely skip surgery based on symptoms, test results, health, and age.
Is appendectomy safe?
Surgery to remove the appendix is generally safe. Possible problems include infection of the cut, an abscess inside the belly, a small bowel obstruction, and scar-like bands called adhesions.
What is recovery like after appendix surgery?
Most people recover fully. They do not need diet or lifestyle changes. Surgeons suggest limiting activity for 3 to 5 days after laparoscopic surgery, and longer after open surgery. Ask your surgeon about your recovery plan.
Sources
- NIDDK - Symptoms & Causes of Appendicitis
- NIDDK - Treatment for Appendicitis
- NIDDK - Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
