- The earliest symptoms are dull pains near the belly button or navel.

- Once the inflammation spreads, you will feel sharper pains in your right side, the lower part of the abdomen.

- The pain will then settle somewhere between the navel and the pelvic bone, which is central to the appendix itself. This is called the McBurney point, which is how you can tell that you are definitely suffering from appendicitis.

- There will also be swelling in the area described above, along with diarrhea and or constipation. There may also be a low fever and a loss of hunger and appetite. It may also be difficult to pass gas.

When dealing with children, you should always seek medical attention early. They may not be able to describe all of these symptoms to you, and it is important that receive help as soon as possible.