Researchers have yet to figure out if the appendix actually serves a purpose in the body. They believe it has no function, but it can cause many problems, particularly for people between the ages of 10 and 30. The appendix is a small sack on the colon at the right side of the body. When it becomes inflamed, the Mayo Clinic reports that it usually needs to be surgically removed.
Pain
The most obvious symptom of appendicitis is pain that increases to severe levels in less than one day. It often starts near the naval and moves to the abdominal region's lower right. The pain gradually increases over the period from inception. A person may also experience tenderness when pressing the affected abdominal region. "Rebound pain" may occur if one presses in and then releases the pressure rapidly. Pain may intensify if the person moves jarringly, walks or even coughs, and it may prevent a person from remaining calm and motionless. The Mayo Clinic states that a patient experiencing this level of pain requires emergency medical aid.
Stomach Symptoms and Body Temperature
The affects of appendicitis can cause some symptoms in the stomach. The person may first experience a loss of appetite. He may also feel nauseous and begin vomiting. These are common symptoms during the period of increasing pain. Because appendicitis is an infection, it can also cause such symptoms as chills and fever.
Intestines
Appendicitis may cause a person to experience swelling in the abdomen. There may also be direct intestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea. The person may not be able to pass gas through the intestines despite an urgent need to do so.
Other Symptoms
If the appendix bursts, an infection that was originally caused by the organ becoming blocked may spread throughout the body. The spread of the infection may affect the abdominal wall lining known as the peritoneum, which produces secondary peritonitis, a life-threatening problem. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some symptoms of peritonitis are similar to those of appendicitis, such as fever and chills, but there are also others, including decreased urination and thirst.
