Appendicitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Digestive system

Appendectomy - series

Appendicitis

Symptoms:

The symptoms of appendicitis vary. It can be hard to diagnosis appendicitis in young children, the elderly, and women ofchildbearing age.

Typically, the first symptom is pain aroundyour navel. (see abdominal pain.) The pain initially may be vague, but becomes increasinglysharp andsevere. You may have reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.

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As the inflammation in the appendix increases, the pain tends to move intoyour right lower abdomen and focuses directly above the appendix at a place called "McBurney's point."

If the appendix ruptures, the pain may lessen briefly andyou may feel better. However, once peritonitis sets in, the pain worsens and you become sicker.

Abdominal pain may be worse when walking or coughing.You may prefer to lie still because sudden movement causes pain.

Later symptoms include:

Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea
Chills and shaking

Signs and tests:

With appendicitis, pain increases when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released. If peritonitis is present, touching the abdomen may cause a spasm of the abdominal muscles. A rectal examination may identify abdominal or pelvic pain on the right side ofyour body.

Doctors can usually diagnose appendicitis by your description of the symptoms, the physical exam, and laboratory tests alone. In some cases, additional tests may be needed. These may include:

Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal CT scan
Diagnostic laparoscopy

Note:In December 2005, the US Food and Drug Administrationrecalled a drug used during some imaging testsafter reports of life-threatening side effects and two deaths. The drug, calledNeutroSpec, is usedto help diagnose appendicitis in patientsages 5 and older who may have the condition but do notshow the usual signs and symptoms.

References:

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on use of NeutroSpec, [Technetium (99m TC) Fanolesomab], Imaging Agent for Diagnosis of Appendicitis. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; December 19, 2005. Press Release P05-104.