Appendicitis is a very painful condition that can sometimes take the sufferer’s life if it is not detected and treated early. Failure to diagnose a case of appendicitis would make a physician liable for medical malpractice. If a physician failed to diagnose appendicitis in you or a loved one, contact the Philadelphia misdiagnosis attorneys at Rosenbaum & Associates immediately for a free case consultation. You will pay no fees until we are able to recover compensation for your damages and injuries.

What Causes Appendicitis?

The mucus that is made in the appendix can back up into the appendiceal lumen, which obstructs the lumen. Bacteria grows within the appendix, making it start to swell. If the swelling goes untreated, the appendix can burst and spread the infection throughout the abdomen. The appendix can be obstructed by the following:

• Trauma to the abdomen
• Swollen lymph tissue
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Feces or parasites that enter the appendiceal lumen

If appendicitis isn’t treated right away, the appendix can become inflamed and burst. Some of the symptoms of appendicitis are:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mild fever
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Swelling and pain in the abdomen

Usually pain is the first symptom to appear. It is aggravated by movement and gets worse with time. A physician should recognize the symptoms and immediately suspect appendicitis. However, some doctors confuse appendicitis for any of the following conditions.

• Long-term constipation
• Gynecological issues
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Obstruction of the intestine

Diagnosing Appendicitis

Physicians diagnose appendicitis through physical examination and by examining the patient’s medical records. Immediate surgery is required if the doctor suspects that the patient has appendicitis. Otherwise, the appendix can rupture from the inflammation. If the doctor isn’t convinced that the patient has appendicitis, tests can be run to determine if the appendix is infected. An aggressive antibiotic treatment might be recommended if the patient isn’t strong enough to undergo surgery. The doctor could also recommend a liquid diet until the appendix is healthy again.

Contact Our Philadelphia Appendicitis Misdiagnosis Attorney

Physicians must withstand a high degree of due care, which includes recognizing and treating a malady that is well known among physicians. If a doctor failed to diagnose a case of appendicitis in you or a loved one, you may be entitled to sue for medical malpractice. To protect your legal rights, you should contact Rosenbaum & Associates and speak with a dedicated medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia. Our team of legal professionals can discuss your case and determine what type of compensation you might be entitled to receive. You could qualify for pain and suffering, lost income and medical expenses. We have the experience to stand up to the insurance companies and take your case to court.