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Signs of Appendicitis in Adults

Appendicitis occurs when a blockage in the appendix causes it to become inflamed and infected. Even though the appendix serves no real purpose in the human body, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it can lead to an emergency when it becomes inflamed. In some cases, appendicitis can cause the appendix to rupture, so it's important to know the signs of appendicitis in adults.

  1. Pain Around the Navel

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, abdominal pain centered around your navel is the earliest sign of appendicitis in adults. It is common for this pain to gradually develop over 6 to 12 hours.

    Severe Abdominal Pain

    • As the pain develops, it usually becomes sharper and shifts to the lower right abdomen. This location is known as the McBurney point, and is a common site of pain for adults with appendicitis. Your abdomen may also swell.

    Tenderness

    • Unlike many other causes of abdominal pain, the pain caused by appendicitis will cause your abdomen to feel tender if you press on it, and may also worsen when you cough.

    Nausea

    • Nausea may be another sign of appendicitis in adults, as noted by the NIH. In some cases, nausea will be accompanied by vomiting.

    Fever and Chills

    • Appendicitis in adults may also cause a low fever after the other symptoms have developed. You may also develop chills and shaking if the infection is becoming severe.

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