Symptoms of the disease

The symptoms of appendicitis may vary slightly from person to person and change over time;

• The first pain symptoms usually appear near the navel and gradually progress to the lower right part of the abdomen;
• The pain gets worse gradually, usually over a period of 6 to 12 hours. It ends up being located halfway between the navel and the pubic bone, on the right side of the abdomen.

When you press on the abdomen near the appendix and suddenly release the pressure, the pain gets worse. Coughing, straining like walking, or even breathing can also make the pain worse.

Pain is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Nausea or vomiting;
• Loss of appetite ;
• Low fever;
• Constipation, diarrhea or gas;
• Bloating or stiffness in the abdomen.

In young children, the pain is less localized. In older adults, the pain is sometimes less severe.

If the appendix ruptures, the pain may subside momentarily. However, theabdomen becomes fast bloated and stiff. At this point it is a medical emergency.

People at risk

• The crisis occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30;
• Men are slightly more at risk than women.

Prevention

A healthy and diversified diet facilitates intestinal transit. It is possible, but not proven, that such a diet decreases the risk of appendicitis attack.