Could This Be Appendicitis? Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone, I’m a 17-year-old female weighing 36 kg. This morning, I began experiencing pain on the lower right side of my abdomen, located between my belly button and hip. The discomfort becomes noticeable when I touch that area, when I lift my right leg, or even when I breathe or cough. While the pain isn’t excruciating, it has persisted since last night, and it’s still present this morning. Additionally, I am currently in the second day of my menstrual period, which usually comes with severe cramps, nausea, and vomiting, especially given that I have two uteruses. However, at this moment, I haven’t vomited or felt nauseous. I have been dealing with a low-grade fever for the past five months, but my doctors have been unable to determine the cause even though my blood tests have returned normal. Given these symptoms, should I consider going to the emergency room to rule out appendicitis, or am I worrying unnecessarily?
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 8:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you reached out for guidance regarding your symptoms. Given the combination of lower right abdominal pain, especially since it gets worse with movement or touch, it’s important to take your situation seriously.
1. Understanding Your Symptoms:
- The pain you're experiencing could be related to various issues, including appendicitis, especially considering its location and how it worsens with movement or touch.
- However, your menstrual period and the fact that you have two uteruses might contribute to abdominal pain as well.
2. Clarity on Appendicitis:
- Appendicitis often presents as pain starting near the belly button and then migrating to the lower right abdomen. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a fever. While your fever has been low-grade for some time, the acute nature of your current pain could represent a different concern.
Next Steps:
-
Watch for Symptoms:
- Monitor your pain. If it becomes sharper or more intense, or if you start experiencing other symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or a significant increase in fever, these would be red flags.
-
Emergency Room Consideration:
- Given your symptoms, it's reasonable to consider seeking emergency care, especially if the pain worsens. Appendicitis can be serious and may require prompt treatment.
-
Staying Comfortable:
- In the meantime, rest and avoid any movements that aggravate the pain. If you would like, applying a warm compress to the area may offer some relief.
Your symptoms warrant careful attention, and while it's easy to feel anxious about them, being cautious and proactive is important. Listen to your body, and don't hesitate to seek care if you're unsure.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if there are other concerns on your mind.
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