Final answer:
RUQ abdominal pain associated with appendicitis may lead to more severe symptoms and thus requires immediate medical attention. An abdominal ultrasound or CT scan is used for diagnosis, and removal of the appendix is the common treatment. Other conditions with similar symptoms should also be considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following RUQ abdominal pain that could be indicative of appendicitis, a patient may experience a progression of symptoms if the condition worsens. Typically, appendicitis begins with pain that may initially be located around the navel and then moves to the right lower quadrant (RLQ) as the irritation of the lining of the abdominal wall localizes over the inflamed appendix. Beyond pain, other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and an elevated white blood cell count might develop as part of the body's response to the infection.
Given the potential severity of an appendix rupturing, which can lead to widespread infection known as peritonitis, it is important to consult a doctor immediately upon experiencing severe abdominal pain. An abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis. If appendicitis is diagnosed, surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy, is the typical treatment.
It should be noted that while this discussion pertains to appendicitis, other conditions such as urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, cysts, kidney stones, and postoperative complications can present with similar abdominal pain and should be considered by healthcare professionals during diagnosis.