Can I Be Mistaking My Abdominal Pain?
There are many conditions that cause pain in your abdomen, which creates difficulty in deciding whether or not you have a serious medical condition or need to go the ER. A typical first thought when experiencing sharp, sudden pain in your lower abdomen could be that it’s appendicitis, but it can also mean you have a large, ruptured ovarian cyst.
Whichever it may be, it’s important to remember: Delaying diagnosis and treatment may lead to severe complications because both conditions share similar symptoms.
What Is Appendicitis?
The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of our abdomen. If it becomes inflamed and filled with pus, it can spread throughout your organs and block areas inside your appendix, also known as an appendicitis.
Appendicitis pain usually begins suddenly and can even wake you up while you’re sleeping. In a matter of hours, it can create sharp and sudden pains in your lower right abdomen and will worsen when you cough, sneeze, or breathe deeply.
If you have appendicitis, you may also experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal swelling
- Loss of appetite
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled outpouchings on your ovaries and, fortunately, most are not dangerous. In fact, the majority of ovarian cysts are small and disappear within a few months. These cysts generally don’t need treatment and are caused by the normal function of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts become harmful when one is very large and has ruptured, creating symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Severe abdominal pain
- Internal bleeding
Differences Between Ovarian Cysts and Appendicitis
While ovarian cysts and appendicitis can both cause abdominal pain, there are several key differences between these conditions:
Location of pain: Ovarian cyst pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen, while appendicitis pain often begins around the navel and then moves to the lower right side.
Medical urgency: Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. While ovarian cysts can be uncomfortable, they are often benign and do not require immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Treatment
If the only symptom you experience is abdominal pain, try to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If this provides relief, you may have been experiencing regular ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz.
If the pain doesn’t go away and is accompanied by other symptoms of vomiting, nausea, constipation, or internal bleeding, you’ll most likely need to call a doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and determine the underlying cause. If you are experiencing severe pain, fever, or other symptoms of appendicitis, seek immediate medical attention.
Ovarian cysts and appendicitis are two common conditions that can cause abdominal pain. While they share some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different treatments. Understanding the differences between these conditions can help you recognize when to seek medical attention and ensure that you receive appropriate care.
Contact Advance ER today at (214) 494-8222 for more information!
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