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The first thing you will probably feel if you have appendicitis is pain around your belly button.

After about four to six hours, the pain may travel to the right side of your lower abdomen.¹

You probably won't feel like eating and you might vomit. You may also:^{1 2}

• Have cramp-like pain in your abdomen
• Have a slight temperature (about 100 or 101 degrees)
• Have constipation, or less commonly, diarrhea
• Have pain that gets worse when you move, take a deep breath, cough or sneeze
• Feel like you need to pass a stool
• Feel more comfortable being bent over or lying with your knees drawn up.

But not everybody gets all of these symptoms. You might not get these symptoms if you:

• Are very young or very old
• Are pregnant
• Have an appendix that is not in the usual place
• Have other medical problems such as diabetes or cancer.

If your child has pain in their abdomen and a fever, they are more likely to have appendicitis than if they only have pain in their abdomen.

If you think that you or your child might have appendicitis, see your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.