Still, poop color changes are not telltales of the condition.

More reliable symptoms and signs of appendicitis include severe and worsening abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting blood.

These should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the color of your stools.

A person reaching towards the flush handle of the toilet

Boonchai Wedmakawand / Getty Images

This tends to occur after the pain sets in.

The hardened stools you eventually pass could appear much darker than usual.

This is not because they contain blooda possible reason for dark stoolsbecause they are dehydrated and concentrated.

The late signs of appendicitis appear only after rupture has occurred.

At first, you may feel better because you no longer have pressure in your appendix.

However, bacteria begins to spread throughout your abdominal cavity, which can cause a dangerous condition called peritonitis.

Possible appendicitis requires immediate medical attention.

Blood in stool or dark poop color should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

Possibly, but maybe not.

One of the symptoms of appendicitis is constipation, though diarrhea is also possible.

Being able to poop does not rule out appendicitis.

Trapped gas and appendicitis can have similar symptoms.

Gas pain can also migrate, however, it tends to be felt in different parts of the abdomen.

Sudden pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen is usually the first sign of appendicitis.

The pain may also begin near the navel and travel to the lower right side.

The pain often worsens if you cough, walk, or make other quick movements.

An infected appendix can rupture in as little as 48 to 72 hours.

If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, seek immediate medical treatment.

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