Appendicitis occurs when your appendix, a worm-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed.

It can be life threatening if the appendix bursts, but doctors usually remove it surgically before this happens.

Belly-button pain
Appendicitis pain often occurs in the lower-right side of the abdomen. The first sign, however, is typically discomfort near the belly button, which then moves to the lower abdomen.

Some people, including children and pregnant women, may experience pain in different areas of their abdomen or on their side.

The pain also will get worse if you move your legs or abdomen; cough or sneeze; or are jarred—during a bumpy car ride, for instance.

Rapidly worsening pain
Once the pain is in the lower part of the abdomen, it can be very intense.

ow-grade fever and chills
Appendicitis symptoms may mimic those of a stomach bug, including a low-grade fever, chills, and shaking.

Vomiting, nausea, or loss of appetite

Constipation or diarrhea
Like many of the other symptoms, these may not be severe and probably will come on after you’ve already experienced abdominal pain.

But if you have mild diarrhea—especially if there is a lot of mucus in it—in addition to lower-right abdominal pain, see your doctor.

Rebound tenderness
Rebound tenderness occurs when you push on the lower-right part of your abdomen and then experience pain when releasing the pressure.