(HealthDay News) -- The appendix is a small organ located near the large intestine, and it can become inflamed (appendicitis), painful and require surgical removal.
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers this list of common symptoms of appendicitis:
- Pain in the abdomen, often around the belly button, then affecting the lower right area of the abdomen.
- Abdominal pain that worsens over a few hours, or during movement, sneezing, coughing or breathing deeply.
- Vomiting or nausea, and lack of appetite.
- Diarrhea or constipation, and inability to pass gas.
- Mild fever.
- Swelling in the abdomen.
