Which symptom is associated with gastritis or peptic ulcers rather than appendicitis?

Prolonged epigastric pain is closely associated with conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers because these disorders typically cause symptoms related to the upper gastrointestinal tract. The pain often presents in the epigastric region and may vary in duration and intensity, with a tendency to occur in relation to meals or when the stomach is empty. This persistent nature of the pain can be linked to the inflammation or irritation of the gastric lining, as seen in gastritis, or the presence of an ulcer which may also create lasting discomfort.

In contrast, appendicitis tends to present with symptoms that are quite distinct from those associated with gastritis or peptic ulcers. Radiating pain to the right iliac fossa, for instance, is a classic symptom of appendicitis due to the irritation of surrounding structures and inflammation of the appendix. Similarly, localized rebound tenderness is indicative of peritoneal irritation that is more common in cases of appendicitis. While vomiting without blood can occur in both conditions, it is not specific enough to differentiate them; thus, prolonged epigastric pain serves as a more defining symptom for gastritis and peptic ulcers.