Appendicitis is a common and urgent medical condition in Australia that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. One of the earliest and most important signs of appendicitis is abdominal pain. Knowing where this pain typically begins and how it changes can help Australians recognise appendicitis early and seek timely medical care.
The Starting Point of Appendicitis Pain
Appendicitis pain usually begins near the belly button (around the navel or periumbilical area). At this early stage, the pain is often vague, dull, or cramp-like and may come and go. This initial discomfort is caused by irritation of the visceral nerves that supply the appendix, which are less precise in localising pain.
How Does the Pain Evolve?
Within several hours, the pain typically shifts and becomes more focused in the lower right side of the abdomen, known as the right lower quadrant (RLQ) or near McBurney’s point-a spot about 1.5 to 2 inches from the front of the hip bone on a line to the navel. As the inflammation spreads to the parietal peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal wall), the pain becomes sharper, more intense, and constant.
At this stage, the pain often worsens with movement, coughing, or walking, making these activities uncomfortable.
Why Does the Pain Move?
The initial pain near the belly button is due to irritation of the visceral nerves (T8-T10), which provide a general sensation from the appendix area. As inflammation progresses and involves the parietal peritoneum, which has more precise nerve supply, the pain localises to the lower right abdomen, where the appendix is located.
Variations in Pain Location
While the classic pattern involves pain moving to the lower right abdomen, variations can occur depending on the appendix’s position:
- Retrocecal appendix (behind the cecum): Pain may be felt in the lower back or flank rather than the front.
- Pelvic appendix: Pain might be lower in the abdomen or pelvis and sometimes cause urinary symptoms.
- Left-sided appendix (rare, in people with situs inversus): Pain occurs on the left side.
Other Symptoms Accompanying the Pain
In addition to abdominal pain, Australians with appendicitis often experience:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild fever
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal tenderness
- Urinary urgency or discomfort
If untreated, the appendix may rupture, leading to severe, widespread abdominal pain and systemic illness.
When to Seek Medical Attention in Australia
If you notice abdominal pain that starts near your belly button and then moves to the lower right side, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite, seek urgent medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications such as appendix rupture.
Appendicitis pain in Australia typically starts as a dull ache near the belly button before localising to the lower right abdomen, becoming sharper and more persistent. Recognising this pattern and associated symptoms can save lives by prompting timely medical intervention.