Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix--a small organ attached to the end of the large intestine--occurs most often in men between the ages of 10 and 30. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgeries. Appendicitis is regarded as a medical emergency because it develops suddenly, rapidly increases in severity and can be fatal if left untreated. Men who experience symptoms of appendicitis should seek emergency assistance immediately.
Abdominal Pain
The first and most common sign of appendicitis is a dull pain usually centered around the navel, which then progresses to a sharper pain that settles in the lower right abdominal area. Moving around in bed, walking, taking deep breaths, coughing or sneezing can make the pain worse. The Better Health Channel reports that the pain can sometimes also radiate from the lower back, hamstring or rectum.
Flu-like Symptoms
After abdominal pain, common signs of appendicitis in men include flu-like symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, states NHS Choices, the UK's National Health Service website.
Other Signs
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the National Institutes of Health, reports that other signs associated with appendicitis include constipation, the inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling, and the feeling that emptying the bowels will relieve the abdominal discomfort or pain.
