You can suspect appendicitis if you experience a combination of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain : Usually starts near the belly button and then shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain typically worsens over several hours, becoming more focused and severe. It may increase with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area

• Nausea and vomiting : Often follow the onset of abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite : Common early symptom accompanying the pain

• Fever : Usually low-grade but can increase if the appendix bursts

• Other possible symptoms : Diarrhea or constipation, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling or tenderness, and sometimes urinary symptoms like painful or frequent urination

In children, symptoms may be less specific but often include belly pain that worsens and moves to the lower right side, mild fever, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea or a swollen belly

. Because appendicitis symptoms can resemble other conditions and may vary, especially in children, elderly, or pregnant people, it is critical to seek medical evaluation promptly if appendicitis is suspected. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, blood and urine tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan

. Appendicitis is a medical emergency; untreated, it can lead to appendix rupture and serious infection. Early diagnosis and treatment, usually surgical removal of the appendix, are important to prevent complications