Symptoms
What is the most common symptom of appendicitis?
Abdominal pain
What organ becomes inflamed during appendicitis?
The appendix
What does a healthcare professional first do when evaluating suspected appendicitis?
Take the patient's history and perform a physical examination.
What is the most common surgical treatment for appendicitis?
An appendectomy.
What body system is the appendix part of?
The digestive system
Where does appendicitis pain commonly move to?
The lower-right abdomen.
What is one common cause of blockage of the appendix?
Hardened stool (a fecalith)
What type of blood test may help identify inflammation or infection?
A white blood cell (WBC) count.
What is an appendectomy?
Surgical removal of the appendix
Where is the appendix attached?
to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine.
Name two other symptoms of appendicitis
Nausea/vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, orconstipation
Can appendicitis occur in children and adults?
Yes
Name one imaging test that can help diagnose appendicitis.
Ultrasound or CT scan
What type of medicine may be given if there is an infection?
Antibiotics.
What general area of the abdomen contains the appendix?
The lower-right abdomen
True or false: Everyone with appendicitis has the exact same symptoms.
False
Is appendicitis contagious?
No
Why might a CT scan be used?
To look for inflammation of the appendix and complications.
What are the two main approaches to an appendectomy?
Laparoscopic surgery and open surgery.
Is the appendix part of the small intestine or large intestine?
The large intestine
Why can appendicitis become an emergency?
The appendix can rupture, potentially causing a serious abdominal infection.
What can happen if a blocked appendix becomes severely inflamed?
It can perforate or rupture
Can a doctor diagnose appendicitis using only one symptom?
Usually no; diagnosis involves symptoms, examination, and sometimes laboratory tests and imaging.
Why is prompt treatment important?
To reduce the risk of complications such as rupture and infection.
What is the appendix?
A small, tube-shaped pouch attached to the cecum.