Is appendicitis a persistent pain?
Nov 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
In general, whether the pain of appendicitis persists depends on the stage of disease progression and the specific type. If severe abdominal pain or other discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. In cases of acute suppurative, gangrenous appendicitis, or perforated appendix, the pain is typically persistent and progressively worsens. These conditions involve severe inflammation, with ischemic necrosis of the appendix stimulating the peritoneum.
In general, whether the pain of appendicitis persists depends on the stage of disease progression and the specific type. If severe abdominal pain or other discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
In the early stage of acute simple appendicitis or in chronic appendicitis, the pain may not be persistent. Initially, acute appendicitis often presents with mild, intermittent pain in the upper abdomen or around the navel, which later shifts to a constant pain in the right lower abdomen as the inflammation becomes localized. Chronic appendicitis frequently causes pain triggered by overexertion or improper diet; this pain may subside with rest, is usually mild, non-continuous, and does not progressively worsen.
In cases of acute suppurative appendicitis, gangrenous appendicitis, or perforated appendix, the pain is typically persistent and gradually intensifies. These conditions involve severe inflammation, with ischemia and necrosis of the appendix stimulating the peritoneum, resulting in intense pain that cannot resolve spontaneously. If pain briefly lessens after perforation, it will soon return as persistent, severe pain due to diffuse peritonitis, accompanied by symptoms such as fever and nausea.
