- By Bornika Das
- Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Appendicitis is an emergency that can occur to anyone, but its preliminary symptoms often remain undetected or are confused with normal digestive discomfort. Triggered by the inflammation of the appendix, the condition should be diagnosed early and treated immediately to avoid complications such as rupture or infection. It is essential to notice the fine differences in the symptoms between adults and children since children tend to display more vague or sudden-appearing signs. Knowing what to watch for and when to call a doctor can be the difference between recovery and outcome.
Appendicitis in adults can start with belly pain that progresses to the lower right abdomen, along with nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. Children are less able to tell their physician where it hurts, and therefore, diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. Observation and awareness are important factors in the early detection of the warning signs. Through close observation of recurrent stomach pains, changes in behaviour or other strange digestive symptoms, parents and caregivers can ensure the condition is medically investigated earlier, before it becomes worse. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Satish Reddy Yeddula, Sr. Consultant - General Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology, Arete Hospitals, shares tips to spot the early warning signs in adults and children.
Symptoms Of Appendicitis In Adults
In adults, the symptoms are often more predictable. Pain usually starts around the belly button and then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. Many adults also notice nausea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite. Dr Satish Reddy Yeddula states, “Some may feel a mild fever or changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhoea.”
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However, not everyone fits this pattern. He adds, “In older adults or individuals with existing health conditions, the pain may be mild or hard to pinpoint, and a fever might not appear, which can make identifying appendicitis more challenging.” One important pointer in adults is persistent pain in the right lower abdomen lasting more than a day. This needs to be carefully distinguished from pain caused by right ureteric stones, which usually radiates to the back.
Appendicitis Symptoms In Children (Image Credits: Canva)
Symptoms Of Appendicitis In Children
Children, especially younger ones, are harder to read. Children often do not indicate a specific area of pain; instead, they may show general unease, fussiness, or fatigue. Dr Satish Reddy Yeddula mentions, “Loss of appetite and vomiting are frequent, and their fevers can be higher than those typically seen in adults. Some kids might even have diarrhoea, which can confuse parents and doctors alike.” Because of these subtle signs, appendicitis in children can be missed or diagnosed late, increasing the risk of rupture.
Regardless of age, appendicitis demands quick action. Doctors rely on physical examination, blood tests, and imaging, like ultrasound or CT scans, to confirm the problem. The usual treatment is surgery - often done laparoscopically - which has excellent outcomes when performed promptly. When identified and treated early, recovery is much faster. Many patients are able to return to their basic routine within 24 hours of surgery.
Dr Satish Reddy Yeddula states, “Persistent stomach pain should never be ignored, especially when it comes with vomiting, fever, or altered bowel habits.” Even mild discomfort can signal a serious problem. Consulting a doctor without delay can prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Key reminder: Adults usually show more definite signs of appendicitis, but in children, the symptoms can be vague and harder to pick up. At any age, though, it is an emergency. Quick recognition and surgery are what save lives.