The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine that has no known function in humans. If this organ becomes inflamed due to infection or injury, people can develop symptoms of appendicitis. Appendicitis symptoms in women are similar to those experienced by men, though pregnant women can sometimes experience different appendicitis symptoms. Women who develop appendicitis symptoms require immediate medical attention to avoid severe medical complications, such as appendix rupture.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is the classic symptom of appendicitis in women. Initially, achy abdominal pain can arise suddenly near a woman's belly button. Over the course of a few hours, abdominal pain can increase in intensity and may shift to the lower right portion of the abdomen. Women who are pregnant may develop pain in alternate regions of the abdomen, explain Mayo Clinic health professionals. Appendicitis can also cause a woman's abdomen to be tender to the touch. Women who experience severe, unusual or persistent abdominal pain should consult a physician as soon as possible for further evaluation.
Nausea or Vomiting
Abdominal pain and discomfort due to appendicitis can lead to gastrointestinal irritation. Affected women can experience nausea or vomiting as symptoms of appendicitis, explains Cigna.com. Stomach upset can contribute to a temporary decrease in appetite in certain women.
Constipation or Diarrhea
Appendix inflammation due to appendicitis can cause this organ to swell. A swollen appendix can press into surrounding organs, such as the intestine, within a woman's body. Consequently, women with appendicitis can experience bowel movement changes as symptoms of this condition. Affected women can experience frequent bowel movements, also called diarrhea, or difficulty producing a normal bowel movement, referred to as constipation. These bowel movement changes can contribute to abdominal bloating, swelling or cramping in certain women. Additionally, women with appendicitis may be unable to pass gas normally, explains Dr. Raj Bhanadari, a Louisiana-based physician, of Gastroenterology and Nutritional Medical Services.
Fever
Women can develop a low-grade fever as a symptom of appendicitis. Typically, fever symptoms range in between 99 and 102 degrees F, explain medical professionals with the University of Iowa Health Center. Fever symptoms most commonly arise after the emergence of alternate appendicitis symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea or bowel movement changes. Additional fever-related symptoms of appendicitis can include headache, sweating or chills. Women who develop persistent fever symptoms, especially in conjunction with severe abdominal pain, should seek further care from a physician as soon as possible.
