We honor all in-network benefits for emergency services according to the Federal No Surprise Act.

Check-in Online
It's We're Open!
Woman holding stomach in pain

Is it an Ovarian Cyst or Appendicitis?

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

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.

Contact Advance ER today at (214) 494-8222 for more information!

Categories