Appendicitis is a medical condition caused by severe inflammation within the appendix. The cause of appendicitis can be due to an infection within the digestive tract or a blockage at the opening of the appendix. This condition most commonly occurs in people between 10 and 30 years of age, report medical professionals at The Mayo Clinic. If you develop any of the symptoms associated with appendicitis, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Abdominal Pain
Appendicitis typically begins with mild aching located near the belly button. Within a few hours, pain can become sharp and severe as it migrates to the lower right abdomen. If your doctor presses into your lower right abdomen, you can experience severe pain when your doctor releases pressure---a condition called rebound tenderness. Abdominal movement caused by walking or coughing can increase pain within the affected region. If left untreated, your appendix can rupture, allowing the infection to spread into your abdominal cavity---a life-threatening condition called peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and nausea.
Abdominal Swelling
Infection within the appendix can cause this organ to become inflamed and swollen. When this occurs, your abdomen can feel tender or swollen to the touch. Such symptoms can contribute to painful sensations within the abdomen.
Nausea or Vomiting
Appendicitis can also cause inflammation to develop within the large intestine. If this occurs, you can experience an upset stomach. Severe abdominal pain can also cause symptoms of an upset stomach, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or loss of appetite. As the infection progresses, such symptoms tend to increase in severity.
Fever
An infection in your appendix can cause your body to develop a fever. Your immune system increases your body temperature in an attempt to kill the infection and prevent it from spreading throughout your body. Appendicitis can also cause chills or shaking to occur in some people. A low-grade fever typically develops after symptoms of abdominal pain or swelling arise. As the infection persists, you can experience a high fever, which may cause additional symptoms of sweating, headache or lightheadedness.
