Diagnosis - Appendicitis

Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose unless you have the typical symptoms. About half of people with appendicitis do not have these symptoms.

Your appendix may lie in a different part of your body, such as:

• your pelvis
• behind your large intestine
• around your small bowel
• near the right lower part of your liver

Other conditions can cause severe tummy pain.

Your GP will check if your pain gets worse when they press on your lower right side.

If you have typical symptoms of appendicitis, your GP will refer you to hospital immediately.

Other tests for appendicitis

You may need more tests in a hospital. This is to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Tests can include:

• a blood test to look for signs of infection
• a pregnancy test
• a urine test to rule out other conditions, such as a bladder infection
• an ultrasound scan to see if your appendix is swollen
• a CT scan (computerised tomography scan)

It can sometimes take time to get your test results.

You may be given antibiotics or painkillers.

If your diagnosis is not certain, your surgeon or doctor may recommend:

• keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) - to inspect your appendix and pelvic organs
• waiting up to 24 hours to see if your symptoms improve, stay the same or get worse

If you have appendicitis, your doctor may advise you to remove your appendix. This is to avoid the risk of it bursting.

If your appendix may have burst, you will go to a hospital immediately for treatment.