Gas or something serious? How to recognise the early signs of appendicitis

Gas can also accumulate in your digestive tract because of microorganisms in your gut breaking down food and generating gas.

Written by Health Desk

March 24, 2025 13:10 IST

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One of the most common symptoms of appendicitis is pain that starts near the belly button. (Image Credits: Pixabay)

Abdominal discomfort is a common complaint that is sometimes misinterpreted as gas, indigestion, or a minor stomach issue. However, that persistent pain could indicate a more serious condition—appendicitis. The appendix is a short tube-like structure that connects to the big intestine. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It causes pain in the bottom right side of the stomach.

Dr Deep Kamal Soni, Consultant – Gastroenterology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj told Financial Express.com that appendicitis pain usually worsens as the inflammation worsens, ultimately becoming severe. When the appendix becomes blocked, which is frequently caused by stool, a foreign body, or an infection, it can become inflamed and filled with pus. If not treated immediately, the appendix can rupture, allowing the infection to spread throughout the abdominal cavity—a life-threatening condition known as peritonitis.

What is the difference between appendicitis and gas?

A strong pain in the stomach is frequently caused by gas buildup, but it can also indicate an appendix problem. Appendicitis often causes discomfort on the lower right side of the abdomen, whereas gas pain might occur overall. Pain caused by gas is usually short-lived and does not require treatment. Gas pain may result from swallowing air while eating or drinking.

Gas can also accumulate in your digestive tract because of microorganisms in your gut breaking down food and generating gas. Passing gas can often relieve pain. However, unlike gas, the pain from appendicitis typically worsens over time and becomes more localized to the lower right side of the abdomen.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Some of the common symptoms of appendicitis include:

Sudden abdominal pain that moves and worsens: One of the most common symptoms of appendicitis is pain that starts near the belly button and progressively spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain normally starts out slight, but after a few hours, it becomes intense and constant. The pain may worsen with movement, hard breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Loss of Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain, may be an early indicator of appendicitis. This symptom typically emerges within a few hours at the beginning of pain.
Vomiting and Nausea: Another common symptom is feeling nauseous or vomiting soon after experiencing abdominal pain. While nausea and vomiting are also linked to food poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders, their presence along with abdominal pain raises the risk of appendicitis.
Low fever as the illness worsens: A moderate fever may occur when the body reacts to appendix inflammation. If the appendix ruptures, the fever may get higher, accompanied by chills and sweating.
Diarrhoea or Constipation: Some patients who have appendicitis suffer from constipation or diarrhea. The presence of mucus in the stool or an urgent urge to pass stool without relief might also indicate an inflamed appendix.

How to prevent appendicitis?

Maintain a high fibrous diet: Low-fiber diets are a major risk factor for appendicitis. Fiber-rich diets can help avoid constipation and lower the risk of appendix blockages.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is vital for a healthy gut. Drinking adequate water helps avoid constipation and keeps your digestive system function normally. Aim for at least eight glasses of water each day, and more if you are physically active or live in a hot climate
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity provides several health benefits, including lowering the risk of digestive diseases such as appendicitis. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, increases bowel regularity, and boosts the immune system.