Appendicitis is a condition that happens when the appendix – a small, finger-like appendage attached to the colon – becomes inflamed and swollen.

It’s a common condition that affects around 1 in every 15 people at some point in their life, and it requires immediate medical attention. However, developing a personal understanding of it and its symptoms could be challenging for some people. The following are the five symptoms that everyone should recognize when it comes to facing an appendicitis.

Abdominal Pain

The number one symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, which starts as a mild, cramp-like sensation that slowly becomes more severe. The pain typically centers around the belly button and lower right abdomen, where the appendix is located.

As appendicitis progresses, the pain usually intensifies and spreads throughout the abdomen. It can also worsen with coughing, walking, or movements that jostle the appendix.

Fever and Chills

A low-grade fever is another common symptom of appendicitis. It usually arises once the inflammation caused by appendicitis starts to spread to the surrounding organs and tissues.

The fever may be accompanied by chills, which could occur intermittently or last throughout the episode.

Nausea and Vomiting

Severe cases of appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting, which may be due to the buildup of toxins in the body. Nausea and vomiting may occur at any stage of appendicitis, but they are most likely to arise a few hours after the abdominal pain begins.

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Additionally, they can wreck a person’s appetite.

Loss of Appetite

A loss of appetite is a common side effect of most stomach issues. Loss of appetite also accompanies appendicitis due to the inflammation that affects the digestive system.

As such, every individual with an inflamed appendix is more likely to lose interest in food than when they were healthy.

Change In Bowel Movements

Appendicitis is a condition that affects bowel movements. An inflamed appendix forces it to put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract and makes it more difficult to pass stool.

Additionally, it can cause a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, which commonly occurs in cases of acute appendicitis.

Conclusion

Appendicitis is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to seek emergency care as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis and treatment are usually critical to prevent life-threatening complications such as the appendix rupturing or spreading an infection to other parts of the body.