Recognizing The Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis | Surgical Associates of Cleveland

Your compassionate medical team at Surgical Associates of Cleveland performs a variety of treatments for many conditions, including appendectomy for appendicitis. But how much do you know about this relatively common medical condition? Read on to gain a better understanding of appendicitis so you can identify the symptoms right away.

What is appendicitis?
Simply put, appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. When the symptoms of appendicitis are not recognized and the inflammation is allowed to progress, the appendix may rupture and spread bacteria outside of the appendix into the rest of the body. This bacteria can quickly spread infection throughout the abdomen or form a peri-appendiceal abscess outside the tissues of the appendix.

In some cases of appendicitis, the body may be able to heal without an appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix, but the infection and inflammation must be treated properly with antibiotics. However, since untreated appendicitis and rupture can be a life-threatening condition, it’s imperative to be able to recognize the symptoms and seek prompt medical treatment.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
The most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Abdominal pain and/or tenderness
  
• A loss of appetite
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Fever
  

How is appendicitis diagnosed?
A physician will make a diagnosis of appendicitis by carefully reviewing the patient’s history and performing a physical examination. Other tests which might be utilized include blood tests, urinalysis, abdominal X-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography, CT scan, and laparoscopy.

The treatment for appendicitis is most commonly antibiotics and an appendectomy.

Other conditions which can mimic appendicitis include Meckel’s diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease, perforated duodenal ulcer, right-sided diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, and kidney diseases.

Do you have further questions about appendicitis or appendectomy? Give us a call today and be sure to visit our website for more information about our full menu of surgical services.