Abdominal pain can be tricky. One minute it feels like gas or something you ate, and the next thing you know, you're doubled over and unsure whether to wait it out or head to the ER. While many causes of abdominal pain are harmless, some (like appendicitis) need immediate attention. The trouble is, they often feel very similar at first.
That’s where we come in. At Syracuse Hernia Center, Dr. Robert Weiss brings over 25 years of experience in general surgery to patients in and around Syracuse, New York. He personally evaluates every case and offers timely surgical care, including expert treatment for acute appendicitis. If you're dealing with unexplained abdominal pain, don’t take chances. Schedule a consultation today and get answers from a provider who takes your symptoms (and your health) seriously.
So, how do you know when that stomachache is more than just indigestion? Let’s take a look:
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, which is a small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. When your appendix becomes inflamed, it can cause severe pain, typically starting around the belly button and shifting to the lower right side of your abdomen. Left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.
Appendicitis doesn’t always come on strong, but it rarely stays subtle for long. One of the earliest signs is pain that begins near your belly button and gradually shifts to the lower right side of your abdomen. This pain often gets sharper and more intense over several hours, especially when you move, cough, or press on the area.
Other symptoms tend to follow, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a low-grade fever. Some people also report a general feeling of unease or fatigue, as if your body knows something isn’t right. If the appendix continues to swell and isn’t treated, it can rupture, leading to serious infection and complications.
These specific signs set appendicitis apart from more routine abdominal discomfort, and they’re your body’s way of sounding the alarm. The key is recognizing them early, because appendicitis is one problem you can’t wait out.
Common Conditions That Mimic Appendicitis
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor, and it can be misleading—what feels urgent might not be, and what seems minor could be serious. That’s why it’s important to understand how appendicitis compares to other common causes of stomach pain.
Appendicitis vs. Gas Pain:
Gas pain is often crampy, comes and goes, and is usually relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement. It may cause bloating and discomfort, but it doesn’t usually cause sharp, localized pain. Appendicitis pain, by contrast, tends to get progressively worse, often settles in the lower right abdomen, and is not relieved by typical digestive remedies.
Appendicitis vs. Constipation:
Constipation causes a dull, bloated, crampy sensation that improves after a bowel movement. The discomfort is often spread across the abdomen and doesn’t become sharply focused like appendicitis pain does. If constipation resolves but the pain continues or gets worse, it’s time to rule out something more serious, like appendicitis.
Appendicitis vs. Stomach Flu:
Both can cause nausea and abdominal pain, but the stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) usually comes with diarrhea, widespread tenderness, and symptoms that improve within a couple of days. Appendicitis, on the other hand, worsens with time and does not cause diarrhea as a primary symptom. If the pain becomes focused and persistent, especially without digestive relief, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
Appendicitis vs. Kidney Stone:
Kidney stones produce intense, sharp pain that typically starts in the side or back and radiates toward the groin. Unlike appendicitis, kidney stone pain may come in waves and is often accompanied by blood in the urine or painful urination. If the pain feels deep, flank-heavy, and comes with urinary symptoms, a kidney stone is more likely than appendicitis.
Appendicitis vs. Ovary Pain:
For women, ovarian cysts or ovulation pain can sometimes feel similar to appendicitis, especially if the discomfort is on the right side. However, ovary pain often aligns with the menstrual cycle and tends to be lower in the pelvis. Appendicitis pain usually starts higher, near the belly button, and then shifts down and to the right, growing sharper with movement or pressure.
While each of these conditions can mimic appendicitis, the differences are in the details. When in doubt, it’s always safer to have your symptoms evaluated by an expert, especially if they’re getting worse or not following their usual pattern.
Why Location & Duration of Pain Matter
Where abdominal pain starts (and how it changes over time) can reveal a lot. Appendicitis often follows a classic pattern: it begins with vague discomfort around the belly button and then migrates to the lower right side of the abdomen. That shift is one of the most telling signs, and it typically happens within the first 12 to 24 hours.
Another key factor is duration. Gas pain or indigestion may come and go, easing up after a meal, bowel movement, or even some rest. But appendicitis doesn’t let up—it gets worse. If the pain steadily intensifies, lasts more than a few hours, or starts to interfere with movement or breathing, it’s a red flag.
Keep in mind that not everyone presents textbook symptoms. In young children, older adults, and pregnant patients, the pain might appear in a different spot or feel less severe, but the danger is just as real. That’s why timing and location are so important. If something feels off and the pain is not going away, trust your instincts and seek medical evaluation.
Expert Care with Dr. Robert Weiss
When you're dealing with abdominal pain, especially the kind that might be appendicitis, you need answers fast and a provider you can trust. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Robert Weiss at Syracuse Hernia Center.
Dr. Weiss is a board-certified general surgeon with over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating conditions like appendicitis, hernias, and other abdominal concerns. But what truly sets him apart is his personal, hands-on approach. At Syracuse Hernia Center, you won’t be passed off to a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Dr. Weiss personally evaluates, diagnoses, and treats every patient himself.
From the moment you walk through the door to the day you’re fully recovered, Dr. Weiss is by your side. He understands that urgent symptoms require clear explanations and prompt action, and he’s committed to delivering both with professionalism and empathy. If you need surgery, it will be performed by Dr. Weiss—not by someone you’ve never met. That kind of continuity of care is rare, and it’s part of what makes Syracuse Hernia Center trusted across Central New York.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If your pain becomes sharp, localized to the lower right abdomen, or steadily gets worse over time (especially when paired with nausea, vomiting, or fever) it’s time to seek emergency care.
Pain that doesn’t ease with rest, movement, or digestion is a warning sign. If you can’t pass gas or have a bowel movement, or if the pain intensifies when you move, cough, or even breathe deeply, don’t delay. And remember: appendicitis symptoms may show up differently in children, older adults, and pregnant individuals, sometimes making them harder to recognize but no less dangerous.
In emergency situations, Syracuse Hernia Center is equipped to promptly address acute appendicitis, providing timely surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. With expert evaluation and direct access to surgical care, we ensure that no time is wasted when fast treatment matters most.
Appendicitis is a condition that won’t improve on its own. The sooner it’s treated, the better your outcome and the smoother your recovery.
Don’t Wait. Get Answers for Your Abdominal Pain Today.
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain and wondering whether it’s appendicitis or something less urgent, don’t take the risk of guessing wrong. The sooner you get clarity, the sooner you can get relief—and in the case of appendicitis, timely treatment can prevent serious complications.
At Syracuse Hernia Center, we provide expert evaluation and surgical care for acute appendicitis and other causes of abdominal pain. Dr. Robert Weiss personally oversees every case, giving you the confidence of knowing your care is in the hands of a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon.
Whether your symptoms just started or have been coming and going, now is the time to act. Call Syracuse Hernia Center today at (315) 452-2727 or request an appointment online to get trusted care.
