Appendicitis: Common signs everyone should know

Appendicitis is one of those conditions that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

The pains are so excruciating you feel like you're going to die (and, if it's left untreated and your appendix ruptures, it can be fatal).

See also: Could it be appendicitis?

See also: Appendix 'not such a useless organ after all', say scientists

Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the lining of the appendix that can result in infection and multiply.

Pain usually starts around the belly button and travels right, where the appendix lives, but the pain is only felt by about 50% of patients.

Here are some common symptoms that aren't abdominal pain that could help save your live.

1. Lack of appetite. Research has found that suddenly losing your appetite is present in about 75% of appendicitis victims.

2. If you feel that pain and then start vomiting, that is a surefire sign you should go to the hospital.

3. Because infections screw up your digestion, constipation or its opposite, diarrhoea, are likely to occur.

4. According to Daniel Herron, MD at Mount Sinai in NY, fever can be a sign that it is time to go to the hospital as fever comes later on in the process of the disease.

You are the only one who knows how your body feels and usually patients say that something feels off or not right are common grievances.