Has the right side of your stomach suddenly started to hurt? To be more precise, is it a severe pain that starts in the lower abdomen and gradually moves to the right side? Have you ever wondered if this could be appendicitis? In fact, many people have experienced this. So what exactly is appendicitis? How does a doctor diagnose it? Let's talk about this in a simple way today, in a way that you can understand.
First of all, what is appendicitis?
Simply put, there is a small tube-like organ about 2-4 inches long that is connected to our large intestine. This is called the appendix. When this appendix gets infected, it starts to swell. That is the condition we call appendicitis .
If this is not treated properly, the swollen appendix can burst. If this happens, the bacteria in it can spread into the abdomen and cause a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this. The usual treatment for this is to remove the appendix through surgery. This is called an appendectomy . After the appendix is removed, you can live a healthy life without any problems.
What are the first symptoms of appendicitis?
It is very important to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis accurately, so that you can seek treatment quickly. These are the main symptoms.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdominal Pain | It starts as a dull ache around the belly button. Over the course of a few hours, this pain gradually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. Then the pain becomes sharp and severe. |
| The nature of the pain | The pain may be constant. The pain increases when you move, cough, or sneeze. Painkillers do not relieve the pain. |
| Other features |
|
The most important thing is, if you have these symptoms, especially if the stomach pain is gradually increasing, don't ignore it.
Why should you be concerned about these symptoms immediately?
As I mentioned earlier, an infected appendix can burst. If that happens, the bacteria can spread into the abdomen and cause a serious infection called peritonitis . This can be life-threatening. That's why it's important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice the first symptoms.
What tests are done to diagnose appendicitis?
A doctor may suspect appendicitis when he hears your symptoms. However, he will perform several tests to confirm it. The most accurate conclusion is reached not by just one test, but by a combination of several tests.
1. Physical Exam
This is the first thing that will be done. The doctor will gently press on the area of your stomach pain, especially on the right side. He will also check to see if the pain increases when you remove your hand. This will give you a rough idea of the source of the pain and whether there is any swelling in the stomach lining.
2. Blood and Urine Tests
- Blood test: This is done to check for infection in your body. An increased number of white blood cells in the blood is a sign of infection. An elevated level of C-reactive protein also indicates inflammation in the body.
- Urine test: This test helps rule out whether the cause of your stomach pain is a urinary tract infection or something else, such as kidney stones.
3. Imaging Tests
These are the most accurate ways to confirm appendicitis.
- CT Scan: This can take very clear pictures of the inside of the abdomen. It can show if there is a swollen, enlarged appendix, or if there is swelling around it. This is often the most accurate way to diagnose appendicitis. However, a CT scan is usually done to check for pregnancy before a woman of childbearing age has one.
- Ultrasound Scan: This does not use radiation, but instead uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the abdomen. Although not as accurate as a CT scan, this is the most common method used to diagnose appendicitis in young children, young adults, and pregnant women. It can also help women rule out other causes of abdominal pain, such as an ectopic pregnancy .
What happens during the tests?
You may be scared about these tests, but they are very simple. Let's take a look at what happens in each test.
| Test | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | The doctor will make you lie down on a bed and examine various parts of your abdomen. He may also ask you to bend or straighten one of your legs. |
| Blood test | A nurse or phlebotomist will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm and draw a small amount of blood. |
| CT Scan | You may be given a special liquid (contrast dye) to drink, or you may have it injected into a vein. Then you will lie down on a table while the scanner moves around you. |
| Ultrasound Scan | A technician will apply a special gel to the surface of your abdomen and move a small device (transducer) over it. |
What do the results say?
After the test results come in, the doctor puts them all together and tells you whether you have appendicitis or not.
- If the white blood cells in the blood count are elevated, it is a sign of infection.
- If the urine report is normal, it confirms that there is no cause such as a urinary tract infection.
- If the scan shows that the appendix is larger than 6 mm, has thickened walls, and there is swelling around it, it is confirmed as appendicitis. Sometimes, stone-like calcium deposits (appendicoliths) can be seen inside the appendix.
When should I see a doctor immediately?
Appendicitis is a medical emergency . So don't take it lightly. If you have the symptoms I mentioned earlier, especially if your stomach pain is persistent and getting worse, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately .
Do not try to suppress the pain by taking painkillers at home. This will only mask the symptoms and make the condition worse. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible can prevent serious complications.
Take-Home Message
- The main symptom of appendicitis is a sharp pain that starts around the navel and moves to the right side of the abdomen.
- Symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and a slight fever may accompany the pain.
- This is a medical emergency. If the appendix bursts, it can be life-threatening.
- A doctor will use a physical examination, blood and urine tests, and CT or ultrasound scans to confirm this.
- If you suspect you have appendicitis, don't waste time and see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
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