How long appendicitis pain can last

Doctors call this ruptured appendicitis , and it's serious. Call your doctor right away if you think your child has appendicitis. The sooner it's caught, the easier it will be to treat. If an infected appendix isn't removed, it has the potential to burst about 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first start. This can spread bacteria inside the body. The infection might form a large collection of pus an abscess or spread throughout the belly. When the appendix gets blocked, too much bacteria can grow and cause an infection.

Some of the things that might block the appendix are:. The symptoms of appendicitis can be a lot like those of other medical problems like kidney stones , pneumonia , or a urinary tract infection.

So it can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose. To find out if a child has appendicitis, a doctor will examine the belly for signs of pain and tenderness. The doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis To help diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will likely take a history of your signs and symptoms and examine your abdomen.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose appendicitis include: Physical exam to assess your pain. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Appendicitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Appendicitis The appendix is a narrow, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from the colon. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Appendicitis. Accessed May 4, These may include:. Some conditions that share similar symptoms with chronic appendicitis, and which your doctor may be trying to rule out, include:. Your doctor will provide you with a specific treatment plan. Sometimes antibiotics are used to treat chronic appendicitis.

Your doctor may also drain the pus that forms in your appendix. The most common treatment for chronic appendicitis is an appendectomy , which is surgery to remove the appendix.

That can be done using laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery has fewer complications and uses smaller incisions. A laparotomy is abdominal surgery through one incision.

Several complications can develop because of chronic appendicitis. The complications of appendicitis can be life-threatening. A ruptured appendix can spread an infection throughout your body. Learn more: Emergency signs and symptoms of appendicitis ».

Chronic appendicitis is different from acute appendicitis. The symptoms of chronic appendicitis tend to be milder. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of this condition. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It may be acute or chronic.