Increased white blood cell count. The appendix may become obstructed from contents moving through the intestinal tract or by a constricting band of tissue. When infected, it becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus. No specific preventive measures. Laboratory blood studies.
Tests usually show higher levels of white blood cells.
Urinalysis to rule out a urinary-tract infection, which can mimic appendicitis. X-ray of the abdomen. This is most common in older persons, not children. Usually curable with surgery. If totally untreated, a ruptured appendix is fatal.