Appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by severe inflammation within the appendix, a small organ within the lower abdomen. Male patients between the ages of 10 and 30 are at the highest risk of developing this infection, according to PDRHealth, a medical information website associated with the "Physicians' Desktop Reference." Men who develop any appendicitis symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Abdominal Swelling and Pain
Appendicitis in men is predominately characterized by severe abdominal swelling and pain. Sensations of pain can suddenly arise near the belly button and may progressively spread into the lower right side of the abdomen. Up to half of patients with appendicitis experience these migratory abdominal pain symptoms, reports the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. Certain men can also experience abdominal swelling, which can cause the stomach to appear puffy or distended. Swollen regions of the abdomen are typically tender to the touch and may affect a man's ability to sit upright or move about normally. The severity of these abdominal symptoms increases rapidly in men with appendicitis. Sudden, severe or persistent abdominal pain symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
Nausea or Vomiting
Men who develop painful abdominal symptoms can also experience stomach upset symptoms due to appendicitis. Affected men can feel nauseous or may begin to vomit, which can contribute to a decreased appetite. Stomach upset symptoms typically arise following the onset of abdominal pain symptoms and may become worse if prompt medical treatment is not received.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Inflammation within the appendix can extend into surrounding organs, such as the intestines. As a result, men with appendicitis can develop diarrhea or constipation as symptoms of this infection, warn health professionals with the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Bowel movement changes may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or abdominal bloating or cramping.
Fever
An infection within the appendix can cause affected male patients to develop fever as an appendicitis symptom. The immune system naturally initiates an increase in the body's temperature when infectious pathogens enter the body. This temperature increase helps prevent the spread of infection to other tissues or organs in the body. Fever symptoms associated with appendicitis typically range between 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, reports the Merck Manual. Men who develop a fever can also experience chills, sweating or headache symptoms. Fever can be a sign of a variety of different medical conditions, and affected male patients should receive additional care from a physician to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
