The appendix is a finger-like appendage located at the beginning of the large intestine. Feces or foreign objects in the intestine may cause a blockage in the appendix. The blockage causes an inflammation and infection in the organ, which is referred to as appendicitis. Usual treatment for appendicitis includes surgical removal of the appendix to avoid possible complications such as rupture of the organ and an infection in the abdomen. Recognizing symptoms of appendicitis may help encourage treatment before complications begin.
Pain
The first symptom of appendicitis is usually pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. The pain may begin around the naval and spread to the right lower section of the abdomen. The area midway between the hip and the naval, referred to as McBurney's point, is the area that the pain settles; however, some individuals may experience pain throughout the entire abdomen. The pain may start as a dull, vague pain and increase in intensity to become a sharp pain gradually over a few hours. Movement to the body may cause an increase in pain. If the appendix gets to the point of rupturing, the pain may decrease following the rupture before increasing again.
Rebound Tenderness
The abdomen may feel tender when applying pressure to the lower right abdomen. Rebound tenderness may occur after applying pressure with a hand and quickly releasing the pressure causing the pain to increase, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bowel Changes
Individuals may experience a change in bowel movements with appendicitis. Some individuals may feel an inability to have a bowel movement. An individual suffering from appendicitis may feel as if the pain will decrease if they were able to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Diarrhea, which is watery stool, may also occur with appendicitis.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Additional symptoms of appendicitis include flu-like symptoms. A low-grade fever around 100 or 101 degrees Fahrenheit and chills may accompany the infected appendix. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and a decreased appetite. Children may experience a fever and vomiting first followed by pain and diarrhea, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library Home Edition.
