Appendicitis occurs when the appendix become inflamed and fills with pus. Appendicitis is caused by an infection or is caused when food or fecal matter gets trapped in the tube that connects the appendix and the intestine. American Family Physician states that about 7 percent of people will have appendicitis, which usually occurs between 10 and 30 years of age. Appendicitis symptoms increase over 12 to 18 hours. Appendicitis can cause the appendix to rupture, which can cause a severe infection.
Pain
Abdominal pain is the main symptom of appendicitis. The pain occurs suddenly and usually before other symptoms. At first, abdominal pain occurs near the belly button, but then pain is felt lower and to the right side of the abdomen. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that the pain gets worse over a few hours, and is worse when taking deep breaths, moving around and coughing. Rebound tenderness is felt during an examination by a doctor to diagnose appendicitis. The doctor applies pressure with his hands to the abdomen and then lets go. Pain is felt when the doctor releases his hands. Another test performed by a doctor involves applying hand pressure to the left side of the abdomen. Pain is felt on the right side of the abdomen as the doctor releases his hands.
Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea occurs after the onset of pain and can occur intermittently with appendicitis. The severity of nausea increases over several hours as appendicitis worsens. Severe nausea can indicate a ruptured appendix. According to the American Family Physician, 90 percent of individuals with appendicitis will experience nausea and 75 percent will experience vomiting.
Fever
A low-grade fever--about 100.4 degrees F--is usually present with appendicitis; however, some people with severe appendicitis may not have a fever. Fever occurs because the body is trying to fight the infection.
Other Symptoms
American Family Physician states that 50 percent of people with appendicitis will have the classic symptom sequence of pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, but symptoms such as constipation, feeling unable to pass gas, diarrhea and abdominal swelling can also occur.
Duration
Symptoms can last for hours, but the MayoClinic.com states that surgery to remove the appendix is usually necessary to prevent complications from a ruptured appendix and relieve the symptoms of appendicitis.
