Discomfor and occasion sharp pains in the right side of the abdomen.

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have had pain in the right side of my abdomen for a week. Its focus is about 1 inch below the ribs and one inch right of the belly button. But the entire right side feels 'unwell'. The pain is mild -- more discomfort, but I do have occasional sharp pains as well. I feel nauseated and, although I am hungry, don't want to eat. My question is if this could be appendicitis? Is it possible for symptoms to continue for a week? All I have ever heard of appendicitis is that people are in unbearable pain. I am not, but I do seem to have many other common sympbtoms.

Dear Christine: It is difficult to say whether you have appendicitis based on history alone. Definitely certain aspects of your history do indicate appendicitis, however, it is prudent to see a doctor to rule out other causes that could mimic appendicitis. These include ovarian torsion (the ovary twisting upon itself), ectopic pregnancy, inflammation of the intra abdominal lymph nodes and/or reproductive organs, and also intestinal inflammation, among others.