Acute appendicitis
Diagnosing acute appendicitis
How is acute appendicitis diagnosed?
A physician will utilize:
- An abdominal ultrasound, CT-scan or X-ray.
- Chest X-ray in order to rule out right lower-lobe pneumonia (a condition with symptoms similar to appendicitis)
- A thorough history of the condition from its onset, and a physical exam of the abdomen.
Introduction
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the small intestine, where it meets the colon (in fact, it is a rudimentary extension of the gut, the function of which is yet unknown).
Symptoms of acute appendicitis
Some of the symptoms are: stomach pain, abdominal pain, pain felt in the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, etc. Depending on the anatomical position of the appendix, patient may experience leg pain, or pain in the lower belly.
Diagnosing acute appendicitis
To diagnose acute appendicitis a physician will utilize: An abdominal ultrasound, CT-scan or X-ray. Chest X-ray in order to rule out right lower-lobe pneumonia (a condition with symptoms similar to appendicitis). A thorough history of the condition from its onset, and a physical exam of the abdomen.
Treating acute appendicitis
Treatment involves surgery in most cases. The doctor may perform the appendectomy (removal of the appendix) via open surgery or via a laparoscopy. Prognosis: Following the surgical procedure, a recovery period involving a healthy diet and plentiful hydration, the patient can fully recover.
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products