How is appendicitis diagnosed?
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Dr. Anthony Kalloo of Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for appendicitis may include the following:
- Blood tests (to check for signs of infection such as elevated white blood cell count)
- Urine tests (to rule out a urinary tract infection)
- Imaging procedures, including the following:
- Abdominal ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- Computed tomography scan of the abdomen, with or without barium (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for appendicitis may include the following: Blood tests (to check for signs of infection such as elevated white blood cell count) Urine tests (to rule out a... More -
Dr. Rupa Seetharamaiah of Baptist Health South Florida answered:Determining a diagnosis can be difficult, since abdominal pain can stem from a number of health problems that may not be related to appendicitis. Your doctor will take a history of your signs and symptoms, and perform a physical examination of your abdomen.
Your doctor may apply some pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, pain from appendicitis will often feel worse, signaling that the adjacent peritoneum is inflamed.
Other physical signs include abdominal rigidity and a tendency to stiffen your abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix.
Through your bloodwork, your doctor will check for a high white blood cell count, which may indicate an infection. Your doctor may also order an abdominal X-ray, an ultrasound scan or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to confirm appendicitis or look for other causes of your pain.
Determining a diagnosis can be difficult, since abdominal pain can stem from a number of health problems that may not be related to appendicitis. Your doctor will take a history of your signs and symptoms, and perform a physical examination of your... More
