Appendicitis is caused due to the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix gets inflamed when it is clogged with mucus, fecal matter, parasites, or bacteria. Although the appendix does not perform any important function in the body, its presence in the gastrointestinal tract is considered essential for the health of the immune system. Some experts consider the appendix important to fend off infections. When the appendix gets blocked and there is no immediate treatment, there might be an appendix rupture followed by an infection.

The infection due to a burst appendix may lead to a life-threatening condition. This makes it essential to diagnose appendicitis as soon as possible. An identification of early appendicitis symptoms can be useful for a timely diagnosis. Here are a few early appendicitis symptoms:

• Mild abdomen pain : This is one of the most common early appendicitis symptoms. There will be a dull ache in the lower right area of the abdomen. The pain will usually start from the belly button. The dull ache turns into severe pain within a couple of hours. The pain is debilitating and intensifies pretty quickly.
• Painful body movement : As the appendicitis pain becomes severe, it will become difficult to perform daily activities. There will be a sharp pain on the right side while walking, turning the torso, sneezing, coughing, and while performing other such movements. After a couple of days, the pain will spread to the legs.
• Tenderness around the abdominal area : In some instances, there might not be an intense abdominal pain to indicate early appendicitis symptoms. In such cases, a person might have “rebound tenderness.” One of the early appendicitis symptoms, rebound tenderness is experienced before any of the other symptoms are observed. You can check for rebound tenderness by firmly pressing the lower right side of the abdomen. On taking the pressure off, there will be stabbing sensation followed by a dull ache.
• Discomfort following bowel movements : One of the early appendicitis symptoms is tenesmus. There is an uncomfortable feeling to pass stools despite going once. There might be a pain, straining, and cramping along with nausea and bloating. Tenesmus may become intense, and there might be vomiting as well.
• Pain while urinating : This symptom is not commonly associated with appendicitis. However, it has been observed that a lot of people who have appendicitis experience this symptom in the early days. The inflammation of appendicitis causes the abdomen to swell. This puts pressure on the area around the appendix and makes it painful while passing urine.