Appendicitis Test Overview and Procedure
Know about the Appendicitis test, what it is, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Learn about the test process and prevention of appendicitis.
Introduction
Appendicitis is a common but serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If you or a loved one is experiencing severe abdominal pain, it’s important to understand how appendicitis is diagnosed and what tests are involved. This article will guide you through the symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, and when to seek medical help.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, leading to a serious infection called peritonitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Consult a Gastrointestinal Specialist for Personalised Advice
Symptoms of Appendicitis
The most common symptom is pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Other symptoms may include:
• Severe abdominal pain (worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Bloating or gas
• Constipation or diarrhoea
If you experience these symptoms, especially persistent pain in the lower right abdomen, seek medical help immediately.
How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
Since appendicitis symptoms can mimic other conditions (like urinary tract infections or gastroenteritis), doctors use a combination of physical exams, medical history, and diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
1. Physical Examination
• Abdominal Check: The doctor will gently press on your abdomen to check for tenderness, especially in the lower right side.
• Rebound Tenderness Test: If pain worsens when pressure is released, it may indicate appendicitis.
• Other Tests: The doctor may ask you to cough, walk, or jump to assess pain levels.
2. Blood Tests
• A complete blood count (CBC) checks for high white blood cell counts, which may indicate an infection.
• The C-reactive protein (CRP) test helps detect inflammation.
3. Urine Test
• A urinalysis rules out urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which can cause similar pain.
4. Imaging Tests
• Ultrasound: Often used for children and pregnant women to avoid radiation.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the appendix and helps confirm appendicitis.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used for pregnant women to avoid radiation exposure.
What Happens During an Appendicitis Test?
For Blood and Urine Tests:
• A small blood sample is taken from your arm.
• You may be asked to provide a urine sample.
For Imaging Tests:
• Ultrasound: A gel is applied to your abdomen, and a handheld device (transducer) is moved over the area to capture images.
• CT Scan: You lie on a table that slides into a scanner. A contrast dye may be injected to enhance images.
• MRI: You lie inside a large machine while magnets and radio waves create images (no radiation involved).
These tests are painless, though some people may feel slight discomfort from the needle (for blood tests) or the need to stay still during imaging.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
• Sudden, worsening abdominal pain
• High fever with abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea/vomiting with pain
• Inability to pass gas or have bowel movements
Do not ignore these symptoms—appendicitis can become life-threatening if the appendix ruptures.
Treatment Options
If diagnosed with appendicitis, treatment usually involves:
• Surgery (Appendectomy): The appendix is removed either through open surgery or laparoscopy (minimally invasive).
• Antibiotics: In mild cases, antibiotics may be given, but surgery is often necessary.
Recovery and Prevention
• Post-Surgery Care: Most people recover within 2-4 weeks. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet and activity.
• Prevention Tips: While appendicitis cannot always be prevented, a high-fibre diet may reduce the risk.
Final Thoughts
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knowing the symptoms and diagnostic process can help you act fast. If you or someone you know has severe abdominal pain, seek medical help without delay.
Consult a Gastrointestinal Specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Gastrointestinal Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Consult a Gastrointestinal Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
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