The human organ called the appendix is attached to the initial portion of the large intestine or colon. A small three inch organ, the appendix has no known function that it supports inside of the body. When the organ becomes inflamed or abscessed and filled with pus, appendicitis occurs. Chronically, some people deal with a mildly inflamed appendix and never seek medical help. For serious or acute onset of appendicitis that results in peritonitis or infection, surgical removal is necessary and should be considered a medical emergency as the repercussions can be deadly.
Pain
Pain associated with appendicitis can change locations as the condition worsens. Initially, the pain starts off as a dull, aching pain centering around the navel. Later, it may shift to the lower right side. As the appendix becomes inflamed, area tissues may also become affected---leading to a sharper pain on the right side. In the final stages of an inflamed appendix, the pain settles in the McBurney's point, which lies halfway between the right side of body near the pelvic bone and the navel.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea may start off mild at first. As pain worsens and the appendix becomes more inflamed, vomiting may occur. This could be from a general loss of appetite or the combination of pain and inflammation in the abdomen. It could also be from the initial start of an infection.
Fever
When someone experiences fever with any other pain or inflammation in the abdomen, immediate medical help should be sought. A fever signifies that the body is trying to ward off an infection. Fevers may start off subtly, between 99 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If the appendix bursts and toxins are released into the bloodstream, fever can spike rapidly and serious consequences, such as septic shock, can occur. Another serious outcome of a ruptured appendix is peritonitis, in which the infected appendix fills with pus and then ruptures into the abdominal walls and cavity. At this point, fever along with pale and clammy features may be visible.
Constipation or Bowel Obstruction
Constipation may also be a sign of appendicitis. Constipation could be caused when a large amount of escaped poisonous material from the appendix accumulates in the large intestine. This will cause a buildup and impairment of blood flow and likely will lead to inflammation in the intestines and bowel. There can also be an obstruction in the bowels or intestines. This could be a hard piece of fecal matter or food waste that is a direct result of the rupture or inflammation of the area around the appendix that prohibits matter from passing through properly and safely.
Abdominal Discomfort
Aside of pronounced pain, there can be other abdominal issues that take place during an attack of appendicitis. Abdominal swelling can also be a sign. The swelling could be caused from a buildup of gas in the stomach. Many sufferers of appendicitis report that they are unable to pass gas freely. When the gas is trapped in the walls of the stomach and the lower intestine, some people may pass these symptoms off as something that they ate. When the swelling gets worse and pain persists, they may be forced to seek medical help.
