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Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed and infected. Though scientists have yet to figure out the exact function of this organ, it can nevertheless be a very painful experience when the appendix becomes enraged. Once appendicitis sets in the sufferer will need immediate surgery to have the organ removed before it bursts, with potentially deadly results. Though anyone can suffer from appendicitis, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House notes that it is most common in people ages 10 to 30. Fortunately, there are a variety of symptoms that may signal appendicitis, making it easier for sufferers to seek immediate treatment.

  1. Abominal Pain

    • One of the most common symptoms of appendicitis is abdominal pain. This pain usually occurs on the right side, though people often mistake it for stomach pain or cramps. An easy way to differentiate the pain of appendicitis from a stomach ailment is to monitor it. Many people know what the pain from a stomachache, gas, indigestion, menstrual cramps and other similar conditions feels like. However, because we only have one appendix, which is almost always removed following the onset of appendicitis, this pain will feel foreign. It often begins near the bellybutton before moving to the lower right corner of the abdomen. This pain tends to come on suddenly and can worsen over time or when the person makes a sudden move, such as a cough or a sneeze.

    Digestive Problems

    • Like other stomach ailments, appendicitis can cause a variety of digestive problems. Nausea and vomiting can be common, as can both diarrhea and constipation. Many appendicitis patients also find that they are unable to pass gas. Though none of these symptoms by themselves may signal appendicitis, the unusual pain combined with an obvious disruption to the digestive system are good indicators of the condition.

    Flu-Like Symptoms

    • Symptoms such as a fever, chills or shakes can also signal appendicitis. These conditions are almost always accompanied by abdominal pain, making it easy to discern whether these symptoms are caused by the flu. The fever usually hovers around 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be accompanied by chills or a seemingly uncontrolled bout of shaking. Though many gastrointestinal disorders can cause a fever, cases of appendicitis do not usually display bloating or bleeding from the mouth, two side effects that are common in other stomach ailments.

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