Digestive System
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Early Symptoms of Appendicitis

Early symptoms of appendicitis can include:
 
  • Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, and then moving to the lower-right area
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
     
However, less than 50 percent of people who have appendicitis will have early symptoms of appendicitis.
 
Other common symptoms include:
 
  • Pain that intensifies when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Low fever that begins after other symptoms
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Feeling like a bowel movement will relieve the discomfort.
     
These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, which is why people who experience possible early symptoms of appendicitis should see their doctor immediately. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
 
(Click Appendicitis Symptoms for a complete discusson on the individual symptoms of appendicitis.)
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD