Tenderness in the right lower abdomen, usually about a third of the distance from the navel to the top of the hip bone. The appendix may become obstructed from contents moving through intestinal tract, or by a constricting band of tissue. When infected, it becomes swollen, inflamed and filled with pus. Your own observation of symptoms. Laboratory blood studies.
Tests usually show higher levels of white blood cells.
Urinalysis to rule out a urinary-tract infection, which can mimic appendicitis. Surgery to remove the appendix. Because appendicitis can be hard to diagnose, surgery is often withheld until symptoms and signs progress enough to confirm the diagnosis. If totally untreated, a ruptured appendix can be fatal. Keep a record for your doctor.