Appendicitis Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of appendicitis are usually vague and differ greatly from patient to patient, thus making the diagnosis of acute appendicitis a real challenge to the medical practitioner. Symptoms include:

• Pain of sudden onset which is typically located around the bellybutton and gradually moves to the right lower side of the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Low grade fever

Patients might experience one or more of these symptoms. Pain usually appears as cramps in the beginning and becomes steadier and more severe with time. Appendicitis can soon become a medical emergency in cases where it remains undiagnosed. Perforation of the appendix and rupture within the abdominal cavity causing fecal peritonitis can be life-threatening.