This article explains the symptoms of appendicitis and which tests healthcare providers use to diagnose the condition.
Appendicitis is often first felt near yourbelly button, then moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
The pain can start suddenly and may wake you from sleep.
macniak/ Getty Images
Moving, coughing, and sneezing often make the pain worse.
Symptoms in Kids
Symptoms ofappendicitis in kidsare the same as in adults.
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
If your appendix bursts, you may not have time for diagnostic tests.
The treatment is an emergencyappendectomy(surgical removal of the appendix).
Types of Appendicitis Tests
There is not just one test to diagnose appendicitis definitively.
They may also perform adigital rectal examor apelvic exam.
Blood Testing
Lab tests may includeblood work.
Healthcare providers will look for signs of infection in your blood, like a highwhite blood cell count.
To collect a urine sample, you will pee in a cup.
A lab technician will evaluate the results.
Imaging Scans
Imaging tests look inside your body to see your appendix.
Imaging can also determine if something not related to your appendix is causing your pain.
Ultrasound followed by MRI (if necessary) is recommended for children.
Can Tests Misdiagnose Appendicitis?
It is possible to misdiagnose appendicitis, leading to unnecessary intervention.
These unnecessary surgeries occur at rates of up to 40%.
Researchers conclude that the high rate of negative appendectomies is due to diagnosing appendicitis based on clinical examinations alone.
Checking for Appendicitis at Home
There is no at-home test for appendicitis.
Understanding Your Results
An emergency room healthcare provider will review your results with you.
Summary
Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose appendicitis.
These tests include a physical exam, blood work, urinalysis, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.
Most people do not receive all of these tests.
Usually, you will have an exam, labs, and then one of the imaging tests if indicated.
Imaging tests are highly accurate for diagnosing appendicitis.
2015;4(2):19-24. doi:10.5409/wjcp.v4.i2.19
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of appendicitis.
National Library of Medicine.Appendicitis tests.
2020;3(3):e200612.
2016;11(1):231-236. doi:10.1515/med-2016-0045
