Symptoms of Appendicitis

Symptoms usually come on suddenly. Pain generally increases during a 6- to 12-hour period. Patients may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Pain
  • Starts as discomfort around the belly button
  • Usually moves to the right side of the abdomen over several hours
  • May be in a different location if the appendix is not in the usual place
  • Increases as inflammation in the appendix builds
  • Worsens with sneezing, coughing, and deep breathing
  • May increase with movement
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Abdomen feels hard and is sensitive to touch
• Constipation
• Mild diarrhea
• Slight fever

If the appendix ruptures, symptoms include:

• Pain becoming stronger and spreading across the abdomen
• Increasing fever

Note: Symptoms may be atypical in infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.