Appendicitis: Symptoms
Top Symptoms
1. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a classic symptom of appendicitis. Initially, it will be localized and it will be difficult to pinpoint the area. But slowly it will develop a particular pattern. It will first originate near the belly and then slowly radiate towards the lower abdomen. This happens as the inflammation begins to worsen. The pain in the belly area will be dull but will become sharp and stabbing near the lower abdomen. Pain will not decrease and will get aggravated by walking, coughing, sneezing and even by taking a deep breath.The location of the pain will differ for children below 3 years of age, pregnant women and older people as the location of the appendix will also be different in these cases.ย
2. Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is a common symptom. This symptom can be determined as appendicitis only if it is accompanied by abdominal pain.
3. Change in bowel habits
For some patients, there will be a marked change in bowel habits.The patient will suffer from either constipation or mild diarrhea. Some will even suffer from tenesmus (a constant feeling or urge to pass stool even if the bowel is empty). Constipation or diarrhea can also be accompanied by the inability to pass gas. But all these symptoms will be preceded by abdominal pain.ย
4. Fever
A low grade fever or temperature hovering above normal but not very high either is a characteristic of appendicitis. It is in response to the inflammatory reaction that occurs due to infection of appendix. Usually, fever will be present along with other symptoms. Not all patients have fever, only 20% show this symptom. Temperature will be around 99 F to 102 F. The fever increases as the inflammation worsens.ย
5. Nausea and vomiting
About 90% of the patients experience nausea. A few will vomit too. But if these symptoms are not accompanied by abdominal pain then chances are little of it being appendicitis.ย
6. Tenderness
A physical examination of abdomen by the practitioner usually reveals this symptom which is a good indicator for appendicitis. When the tender areas are pressed with fingers there will be much less pain than when it is released suddenly. This rebound tenderness often helps in determining the inflammation or appendicitis.
7. Back pain
In addition to the above symptoms, some patients also experience back pain. This is more common in older patients than children.