What are the symptoms of acute appendicitis?

Jun 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal muscle tension. If physical discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, patients should rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a diet low in salt and fat and easy to digest, which will help in recovery.

  Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal muscle tension. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended, with treatment conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:

  

  1. Abdominal Pain: The typical abdominal pain of acute appendicitis usually starts in the upper abdomen or around the navel, then gradually shifts and localizes at McBurney's point in the lower right abdomen. Initially, the pain may be mild, but it intensifies progressively and may manifest as a persistent dull ache or sharp pain that worsens intermittently.

  2. Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common accompanying symptoms of acute appendicitis. The vomit typically consists of stomach contents and may occasionally contain bile or blood.

  3. Fever: Patients with acute appendicitis often experience elevated body temperature, which is generally a systemic infectious response caused by inflammation of the appendix. The severity and duration of fever may vary among individuals, but it usually does not exceed 39°C.

  4. Loss of Appetite: Acute appendicitis may impair the patient's digestive function, leading to a decrease in appetite. Patients may feel disinterested in food, even towards dishes they usually enjoy.

  5. Abdominal Muscle Tension: As acute appendicitis worsens and irritates the peritoneum, abdominal muscle tension may occur. This manifests as tightness and hardening of the abdominal muscles, with tenderness and rebound tenderness upon palpation.

  If acute appendicitis is present, treatment under a physician's guidance may involve laparoscopic surgery. In daily life, patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a low-salt, low-fat, easily digestible diet to facilitate recovery.

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