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Atypical Appendicitis Symptoms

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that prompts the organ to fill with fluid. Usually this will cause patients to experience a progressively worsening amount of pain near the navel in the abdominal region. However, some people, especially pregnant women, the elderly and children, may suffer from atypical symptoms, making a proper diagnosis more difficult.

  1. Pain

    • Atypical appendicitis may present with a mild to moderate pain that doesn't worsen or shift. In a typical case, a patient will have pain near the navel that grows more intense over six to 12 hours and shifts to the lower right abdomen, according to the Mayo Clinic. But in an atypical case, the pain remains where it is and never grows in intensity.

    Tenderness

    • Most people suffering from appendicitis will experience tenderness or heightened sensitivity in the abdomen. In an atypical case, this tenderness or sensitivity to touch will be slight and not worsen. In some cases, there is no tenderness at all.

    Constipation

    • Another atypical symptom of appendicitis is a change in bowel movements, including a reduction in frequency or a change in the consistency, with harder and drier stools. Without the presence of pain and tenderness, appendicitis is likely to be misdiagnosed as constipation.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea can also be considered an atypical symptom of appendicitis, with more frequent and looser bowel movements. Again, the lack of both pain and tenderness could point a doctor in a different direction diagnostically.

    Fever

    • Most people suffering appendicitis will have a low-grade fever of between 100 and 101 degrees. Someone suffering from atypical symptoms may never present a fever at all, complicating the diagnosis.

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