The most common symptom of appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix, is pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, in between the naval and pelvic bone. Such a symptom is important to note, since appendicitis can result in very serious infection if it remains untreated. Other symptoms usually accompany appendicitis, and knowing these symptoms can help you determine when you should contact a doctor.

Not all appendicitis will lead to life-threatening complications. But one cannot tell if appendicitis will resolve without medical treatment. It is better to err on the side of caution by seeing a doctor if you suspect appendicitis, as the doctor can best determine what treatment should be undertaken.

Aside from pain in the lower right quadrant of the stomach, which will gradually worsen, those with appendicitis often have fever. The intestines can be affected as well, but often in different ways. Some have intense feelings of nausea and vomiting. Others may have constipation or diarrhea. Some may have both vomiting and diarrhea. Most people with appendicitis will not feel hungry.

The stomach may actually show signs of visible swelling. This is often an accumulation of gas, though it may indicate a swollen appendix. Most affected with appendicitis find they have difficulty passing gas, thus causing the distention of the abdomen.

An examination of someone with appendicitis will usually reveal more symptoms. For example, placing pressure on the appendix generally results in extreme pain. Children, however, may feel pain throughout the abdomen. In young children it may be particularly difficult to achieve a diagnosis because the younger child may not be able to clearly articulate where the pain is felt most.

Usually an ultrasound of the abdomen confirms appendicitis, because the appendix is notably large in size. The concern with such swelling is that it can result in a burst appendix, which can spill bacteria into the rest of the abdominal cavity, causing very serious peritonitis that can result in death without treatment.

However, not all with appendicitis will have a burst appendix. Some doctors now administer antibiotics when the appendicitis seems slight to see if a cure can be affected without removal of the appendix. When appendicitis seems severe, the appendix is removed to prevent peritonitis.

Those experiencing several of the above symptoms should contact a doctor immediately. Only a medical professional can confirm appendicitis and the degree to which it may be dangerous to a person. A burst appendix is a far more difficult condition to treat than is appendicitis in its early stages.