The main symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins in the center of the abdomen or umbilicus and that migrates to the right side over the hours, and may also be accompanied by a lack of appetite, vomiting and fever at around 38ºC. It is important that the doctor is consulted so that the symptoms are evaluated and that some tests are carried out to confirm the diagnosis.
The diagnosis is confirmed by the doctor, with physical evaluation by palpation of the abdomen, and tests such as blood count and ultrasound, which are able to detect the signs of inflammation typical of appendicitis.
Signals and symptons
If you think you may have appendicitis, check your symptoms to find out what your chances are:
- 1. Abdominal pain or discomfort Yes No
- 2. Severe pain in the lower right side of the belly Yes No
- 3. Nausea or vomiting Yes No
- 4. Loss of appetite Yes No
- 5. Persistent low fever (between 37.5º and 38º) Yes No
- 6. General malaise Yes No
- 7. Constipation or diarrhea Yes No
- 8. Swollen belly or excess gas Yes No
In the presence of symptoms of appendicitis, it is important to go to the hospital as soon as possible so that the diagnosis is confirmed and complications can be prevented, such as perforation, which causes abdominal pain to be more intense and spread throughout the abdomen, in addition, the fever may become higher and be accompanied by an increase in heart rate. Here's how to identify symptoms of appendicitis.
How to confirm if it is appendicitis
The diagnosis of appendicitis is made by the physician through the assessment of signs and symptoms presented by the person and physical examination, which includes palpation of the abdomen to detect changes suggestive of inflammation.
In addition, the doctor recommends carrying out some tests to rule out other causes of pain in the right side of the abdomen and to confirm appendicitis, such as laboratory tests, such as blood count and urine tests, and imaging tests, such as abdominal X-rays, computed tomography and ultrasound, which is usually performed on children.
Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person, and pain in the right side of the abdomen can have several other causes and, therefore, it can be difficult to confirm the diagnosis in some cases. In any case, it is important that the person goes to the hospital if they have symptoms of appendicitis. Know other causes of abdominal pain and when it can be severe.
How is the treatment
Treatment for appendicitis consists of performing surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy, to prevent rupture of the organ. This surgery can take about 60 minutes and can be done by laparoscopy or conventional surgery. Understand how appendicitis surgery is performed.
It is also usually recommended to use antibiotics before and after the procedure to prevent infections, as the person's immune system is reduced, which could increase the risk of serious infections.
