Appendicitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Physical Exam
- A healthcare professional checks the abdomen for tenderness, stiffness, and signs like rebound tenderness (pain upon release of pressure) and guarding (muscle tensing in response to pressure) which indicate inflammation of the appendix's surrounding area.
- In some cases, a digital rectal exam or pelvic exam may be performed to rule out other causes of pain.
Laboratory Tests
- Blood tests check for elevated white blood cell counts, which suggest infection or inflammation.
- Urine tests help rule out urinary tract infections or kidney stones that could cause similar symptoms.
- Additional tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) may be measured to assess inflammation.
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound is often used, especially in children and pregnant women, due to its safety and ability to visualize the appendix.
- CT scans are the most accurate imaging test for adults to confirm appendicitis.
- MRI may be used for pregnant women or young patients if ultrasound and CT are inconclusive.
- Occasionally, abdominal or chest X-rays may be done to rule out other conditions.
Together, these methods help healthcare providers diagnose appendicitis accurately and quickly to facilitate proper treatment, typically an appendectomy. This multi-step diagnostic process ensures that appendicitis is distinguished from other conditions that cause abdominal pain.
