Should you avoid certain foods if you have chronic appendicitis?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on November 12, 2024
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The majority of chronic appendicitis is transformed from acute appendicitis after treatment. Clinically, it mainly manifests as recurrent pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. In cases of chronic appendicitis, it is important to pay attention to a reasonable diet, avoid overeating and the consumption of gastrointestinal irritants, including spicy foods and some hard, cold foods, as these can induce pain in the lower right abdomen. Additionally, the diet should be low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Consumable options may include liquid or semi-liquid foods, as well as foods like yogurt. It is also advisable to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances, such as apples, bananas, cabbage, and cauliflower.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about acute appendicitis?

Once acute appendicitis is diagnosed and surgical contraindications are ruled out, appendectomy is usually performed. Currently, the most common method is laparoscopic appendectomy, which results in less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. After the surgery, depending on the severity of the appendicitis, the use of antibiotics may be considered. Additionally, fasting is required on the day of the surgery, and a semi-liquid diet may be chosen for the first one or two days post-surgery. Three to four days after the surgery, foods like egg custard, vegetable soup, and rice can be eaten, before gradually transitioning back to a normal diet.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis cause back pain?

Appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum generally causes back pain, along with gastrointestinal irritation symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis at the cecum location will cause pain in the lower right abdomen, with significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is most often treated surgically. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and a faster recovery thereafter. Postoperative care is important, including regular dressing changes of the surgical incision. The stitches can usually be removed about a week after surgery. Dietary adjustments are necessary after surgery, starting with a semi-liquid diet and gradually transitioning to a normal diet. At least two weeks of rest are recommended postoperatively.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis recur?

Acute appendicitis, if not treated surgically, can relapse under poor lifestyle and dietary habits and then transform into chronic appendicitis. Therefore, appendicitis can recur. However, if the appendix is removed during an acute episode of appendicitis, then appendicitis will not recur. Currently, the primary clinical treatment for appendicitis is surgery, because without surgery, the recurrence rate of appendicitis is quite high, and ultimately, the appendix must be removed.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis nursing issues

Patients with acute appendicitis should pay attention to diet control during the shivering phase and should refrain from eating or drinking during the attack phase and preoperative preparations. For those with noticeable abdominal pain, a semi-recumbent position should be adopted to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain. After surgery, it is crucial to closely monitor vital signs, measuring respiration, blood pressure, pulse, etc. On the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet may be chosen, and a normal diet can be resumed on days 3 to 4 post-surgery. It is important to ensure rest, and heavy physical labor should be avoided within two weeks after the surgery.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Diagnosis methods for chronic appendicitis

The diagnostic methods for chronic appendicitis mainly include medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations. Firstly, cases of chronic appendicitis generally have a history of acute appendicitis episodes. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by pain, discomfort, and dull pain in the lower right abdomen, often without a history of migratory lower right abdominal pain. In physical examinations, tenderness can be found in the lower right abdomen, and when chronic appendicitis flares up acutely, signs of peritonitis can manifest as rebound pain in the lower right abdomen. In laboratory tests, an increased white blood cell count can be observed. Auxiliary examinations may reveal thickening of the appendix wall and obstruction in the appendix lumen due to fecaliths. Therefore, chronic appendicitis can be diagnosed through methods such as medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations.