Appendicitis history and symptoms: Difference between revisions

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==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Common symptoms resulting from appendicitis include:<ref> Appendectomy: Surgical Removal of the Appendix. American College of Surgeons (2014). https://www.facs.org/~/media/files/education/patient%20ed/app.ashx Accessed on November 16, 2015</ref>
Symptoms of acute appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypical. With typical symptoms, diagnosis is easier to make and surgery occurs earlier. Findings are also less severe. Typical symptoms include:<ref name="wiki1}> Appendicitis. Wikipedia (2016). http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/a/Appendicitis.htm Accessed on February 4, 2016</ref>
* Abdominal/stomach pain that usually starts in the [[nave]] and moves to the lower right side of the [[abdomen]].
*Pain starting centrally ([periumibilical]) before localizing to the [[right iliac fossa]], which the lower side of the right [[abdomen]].
** It starts centrally (in the periumbilical region) before localizing to the [[right iliac fossa]] (the lower right side of the abdomen). This is due to the poor localizing (spatial) property of visceral nerves from the mid-gut, followed by the involvement of somatic nerves (parietal [[peritoneum]]) as the [[inflammation]] progresses.
**This is usually due to poor localizing properties of the [[visceral nerves]] and involvement of somatic nerves as [[inflammation]] progresses.
*Loss of appetite
*Loss of appetite
*Low [[fever]]  
*[[Fever]]
*[[Nausea]]
*[[Nausea]] or [[vomiting]] may occur
*[[Vomiting]]  
 
*[[Constipation]]
 
*[[Diarrhea]]
Atypical symptoms include:<ref name="wiki1"> Appendicitis. Wikipedia (2016). http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/a/Appendicitis.htm Accessed on February 4, 2016</ref>
*Inability to pass gas
*Constant pain in the right iliac fossa
*Prolonged [[diarrhea]]
*There is a possibility of [[micturition]] if an inflamed appendix lies in contact with the [[bladder]]
*[[Tenesmus]] (the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve discomfort) can be experienced.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 20:58, 4 February 2016

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

History

Obtaining the history is an important aspect in diagnosing appendicitis. It provides insight into causes, precipitating factors, and associated conditions. Complete history will help determine the correct therapy and helps in determining the prognosis. Asking specific questions about symptoms and health history will help rule out other conditions. The onset, location, severity of pain and knowing when other symptoms appeared relative to the pain is helpful. Questions about other medical conditions, previous illnesses and surgeries, and use of medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs are also included.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypical. With typical symptoms, diagnosis is easier to make and surgery occurs earlier. Findings are also less severe. Typical symptoms include:[1]


Atypical symptoms include:[2]

  • Constant pain in the right iliac fossa
  • Prolonged diarrhea
  • There is a possibility of micturition if an inflamed appendix lies in contact with the bladder
  • Tenesmus (the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve discomfort) can be experienced.

References

  1. Appendicitis. Wikipedia (2016). http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/a/Appendicitis.htm Accessed on February 4, 2016
  2. Appendicitis. Wikipedia (2016). http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/a/Appendicitis.htm Accessed on February 4, 2016

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