Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-sized piece of tissue that rests at the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis is most common in teens and young adults in their early 20s, according to the Medical News Today website. The appendix can burst or rupture within two to three days of the start of symptoms, according to the Kids Health website. Understanding appendicitis symptoms in teens can help avoid this very serious condition.
Pain
Pain that begins in the center of the abdomen near the naval is a common early sign of appendicitis. The pain may eventually move down toward where the appendix is located, near the lower right side of the abdomen in an area known as McBurney's point. Usually the pain from appendicitis grows steadily worse without intervention, and it is difficult to move or cough without pain, according to the UK Children's First website.
Loss of Appetite
Similar to adults, adolescents with appendicitis usually experience a loss of appetite. Often, this is accompanied by other related warning signs that include nausea and vomiting, according to the Medical News Today website.
Fever
Shortly after abdominal pains begin, many adolescents with appendicitis will develop a slight low-grade fever that ranges between 99 and 100.5 degrees, according to the iEmily website. It is possible, however, to have appendicitis without a fever.
