Is it Appendicitis or Just Gas?
Have you ever felt an intense burning sensation in the lower right abdomen? It could hint at appendicitis. I'm a 17-year-old male weighing 60 kilograms, and I first experienced this discomfort about a year and a half ago. At that time, the same symptoms arose but eventually subsided on their own after a popping feeling. However, I'm currently facing the issue again, and the pain has escalated significantly, though it hasn’t reached a level where I can’t walk or stand. Alongside this, there's a sense of nausea, but I'm struggling to pinpoint the exact source of the discomfort. When I apply pressure to the area just below my waist on the right side, it induces pain, but oddly, when I press there again, the sensation disappears. Moreover, I perceive a radiating pain that moves toward my upper left abdomen, which is quite severe.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 12:50:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s important to address your abdominal discomfort seriously, given the symptoms you've described. The nature of the pain, especially located in your lower right abdomen with associated nausea, could suggest conditions like appendicitis. However, given that you have experienced similar symptoms in the past that resolved on their own, it may also involve less serious issues such as gas or digestive irregularities. Let's break this down.
Explanation:
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Pain Characteristics: Sharp, localized pain in the lower right abdomen can indicate appendicitis, especially if it worsens and is accompanied by nausea. The “popping” feeling and changes in pain might suggest a gas-related condition or even a mild obstruction.
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Rebound Tenderness: You mentioned that pressing on the area causes pain but then feels different afterward, which could point to "rebound tenderness." This can be a sign of irritation in the abdominal cavity, often related to appendicitis or inflammation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain and associated symptoms (nausea, changes in appetite, fever). Noting when pain worsens or improves can help identify changes in your condition.
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Hydration & Diet: Make sure you stay hydrated and consider a light, bland diet to see if your discomfort improves. Avoid heavy meals, greasy foods, and carbonated drinks which might exacerbate gas.
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Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen might help alleviate mild pain, but avoid aspirin or ibuprofen if you're unsure about your condition, as they can irritate your stomach.
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Seek Immediate Care: If your pain worsens significantly, you develop a fever, vomiting, or experience severe difficulty standing/walking, these could be signs of a more urgent situation (like appendicitis) that warrants immediate medical attention.
Please take your symptoms seriously. While it might be a condition that resolves itself, it's better to be cautious, especially with persistent pain. Let me know if you need further clarification or support!
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