How is appendicitis diagnosed?
Appendicitis is likely to be the cause of pain in the lower right part of your abdomen. A physical examination and a review of your symptoms are usually used to diagnose appendicitis. Doctors will use a combination tests to diagnose appendicitis. There is no definitive test. Blood tests, imaging scans and examinations of the rectum or anus may all be used to diagnose appendicitis. Your doctor may perform a laparoscopy in some cases to examine the appendix more closely. It is vital to consult a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of appendicitis. (5)
Medical History
Reviewing a patient’s history of medical conditions is one of the first steps to diagnosing appendicitis. This will help the doctor rule out other possible causes of pain such as stomach ulcers or gallstones. Appendicitis can run in families, and this may be the reason for a person’s current symptoms.
Physical Examination
The diagnosis of appendicitis can be made by a physical exam and the elimination of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms. Physical examinations include checking for tenderness and signs of inflammation, such as fever or enlarged lymph nodes. To rule out any other condition, laboratory tests can be performed.
Blood Tests
Appendicitis is often diagnosed using blood tests. A C-reactive Protein (CRP), which is one of the most common blood tests used to diagnose appendicitis, can be used. CRP levels in the blood are a sign that inflammation is present, and this can indicate appendicitis. White blood cell count and erythrocyte segregation rate are two other tests that can be used to diagnose appendicitis.
Image scans
Imaging scans are often used to confirm the diagnosis. While a physical exam and review of symptoms is usually required for appendicitis diagnosis, they can also be used as a confirmation tool. Ultrasound and computed Tomography (CT scan) are two common imaging scans that can be used to diagnose an appendicitis. Appendicitis can be diagnosed using these tests. Imaging scans show an enlarged and fluid-filled appendix. The scans can help determine if there is a ruptured appendix.
Laparoscopy
In the past, appendicitis was diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical records. These methods are not always accurate. Laparoscopy is a useful tool to diagnose appendicitis.
Laparoscopy allows doctors to view inside the abdomen with minimally invasive surgery. A small incision in the navel is made and a thin tube containing a camera is inserted in the abdomen. The doctor can then examine the organs in the abdomen to see if they are affected by appendicitis.
Laparoscopy can be used to determine if a patient is suffering from appendicitis.
