What is often the key symptom for diagnosing appendicitis?

Localized pain is often the key symptom for diagnosing appendicitis because it typically manifests as a sharp or cramping pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, known as McBurney's point. This specific pattern of pain is related to the irritation of the peritoneum when the appendix becomes inflamed.

While nausea, fever, and vomiting can accompany appendicitis and may contribute to the overall clinical picture, they are not as definitive as the characteristic localized pain. This pain is an essential indicator that healthcare providers look for when assessing a patient for possible appendicitis, helping to differentiate it from other abdominal conditions. The presence of localized pain, especially when tenderness is elicited on examination, strongly supports the diagnosis and is often seen in conjunction with other symptoms.