Further examinations for pain presumably caused by the appendix | Pain in the appendix

Further examinations for pain presumably caused by the appendix

If a physician suspects that a patient’s pain is indicative of an inflammation of the appendix, he or she will perform further examinations in addition to the clinical examinations already performed. In many cases, the diagnosis of appendicitis is not clear. For example, the presence of elevated inflammatory parameters in the blood can give indications.

Also a temperature difference of more than 1°C between the temperature measured in the armpit and the temperature measured in the rectum can be a sign of appendicitis. Ultrasound examination is also very well proven in the diagnosis of appendicitis. Various signs such as a thickened wall or an enlarged diameter can give an indication of whether appendicitis is present.

Pain in the appendix in various situations

During pregnancy the position of the appendix may be changed. Depending on how large the uterus becomes, the appendix is pushed further up. This means that if the appendix is irritated during pregnancy, pain in the right upper abdomen can also occur.Since during pregnancy, especially towards the end of the pregnancy, there may be more frequent pain (exercise contractions), an irritation of the appendix is often not recognized directly.

Pain when urinating is not a typical symptom of an appendix irritation. In the course of an appendicitis, the inflammation can spread further and affect the urinary tract. Pain during urination is usually found in a urinary tract infection.

In addition, there is an increased urge to urinate, although the bladder is not filled. When coughing, the abdominal muscles become tense. This vibration causes the peritoneum to vibrate.

This “wave” spreads to the appendix and causes pain, either at the site of the irritated appendix or throughout the entire abdominal cavity. In the same way, the pain can occur if the patient inhales more deeply before a cough. However, pain when coughing or breathing is usually only found when the irritation or inflammation has already advanced.