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Symptoms of Appendicitis

Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
 
  • Pain in the lower-right area of the abdomen
  • Abdominal pain that intensifies when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low fever that begins after other symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Feeling like a bowel movement will relieve the discomfort.
     
Symptoms may be different or hard to diagnose in children, pregnant women, and the elderly. In addition, people who have appendicitis may not have all of the usual symptoms. If you are experiencing possible symptoms of appendicitis, you should see your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
 
(Click Signs of Appendicitis to read the full eMedTV article that discusses possible symptoms in children, pregnant women, and the elderly.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD