10 Signs of Appendicitis
4. Abdominal Guarding
Abdominal guarding is the conscious and voluntary contraction of the abdominal musculature to avoid pain upon palpation. This is a common finding in patients with peritoneal irritation and peritonitis. In some patients, guarding can be overcome by purposely relaxing the abdomen.
Most of the preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis relies heavily upon physical examination. Therefore, it is common that examiners will thoroughly explore the patient’s abdomen and this process may cause the patient to become apprehensive upon palpation. If you are experiencing this event, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
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