<< Back
6 Signs of Appendicitis
August 29, 2025
That sharp pain in your belly? It could be more than just something you ate.
Appendicitis is one of the top reasons people end up in the ER. And the earlier you catch it, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications like a rupture.
So how can you tell if it’s more than a stomach bug? David Aughton, MD, a general surgeon with Hartford HealthCare, shares six signs to watch for.
1. Your belly pain shifts and sharpens.
Your appendix is a small pouch connected to your large intestine. If it gets blocked or infected, it can become inflamed and painful.
“The earliest and most common symptom is pain around your belly button,” says Dr. Aughton. “It usually shifts to the lower right side and gets more intense over time.”
The pain may start off dull, then get sharper when you move, cough or press on your stomach.
2. You feel nauseous and the pain is sticking around.
Feeling sick to your stomach? That can be a clue.
“If you’re nauseous and also have belly pain, pay close attention,” says Dr. Aughton. “This is a possible sign of appendicitis.”
> Related: 6 Foods to Eat When You’re Nauseous
3. You lost your appetite.
You were hungry, and then you weren’t.
“Inflammation can mess with your body’s normal signals,” explains Dr. Aughton. “So if you’re hurting and suddenly not interested in food, that’s a red flag.”
> Related: The Best (and Worst) Foods for Keeping Your Gut Moving
4. You have a fever or chills.
Even a low-grade fever might mean something more is happening.
“Fever is your body’s way of saying something’s wrong,” says Dr. Aughton. “With appendicitis, it can mean the condition is getting worse.”
> Related: 6 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor for My Fever
5. You’re bloated and uncomfortable.
We’ve all felt bloated or gassy, so it’s easy to brush it off as something minor like indigestion or a stomach bug.
“But when those symptoms show up with pain, they may point to a blockage,” says Dr. Aughton. “And that can be a sign of appendicitis.”
> Related: 3 Reasons Why You’re Bloated After Eating
6. Your bathroom habits are off.
Some people experience diarrhea, constipation or both as inflammation builds.
“On their own, these symptoms aren’t very specific,” says Dr. Aughton. “But when they happen alongside other warning signs, we start thinking about appendicitis.”
> Related: 6 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor For Your Stomach Issues
When to get checked out.
Appendicitis can happen to anyone, and it’s not something to ignore.
If you’re dealing with intense belly pain (especially on the lower right side), don’t wait to see if it goes away.
“Appendicitis can get worse quickly,” says Dr. Aughton. “A ruptured appendix is a real emergency, but acting early can lead to faster treatment and a smoother recovery.”