What should I do if I have appendicitis pain?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Appendicitis should first be diagnosed and treated at the general surgery outpatient clinic. The doctor will perform relevant examinations based on symptoms and signs, such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and ultrasound of the lower right abdomen, among others. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will make an appropriate judgment about the condition. Generally, surgery is advocated for acute appendicitis. If the inflammation is not severe, conservative treatment, primarily focusing on anti-inflammatory treatment, may also be an option. Severe acute appendicitis poses a risk of perforation, and timely hospitalization for surgical treatment is recommended. Chronic appendicitis should also be managed based on specific symptoms, signs, and related examinations, with early surgery performed if possible to prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis pain is on that side.

In the initial stages of acute appendicitis, pain can occur in the left side of the abdomen, then gradually move around the navel, and eventually becomes fixed in the lower right abdomen. The typical symptom of appendicitis is migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, which becomes severe upon pressing and intensifies when lifted, a phenomenon known as rebound tenderness. A small number of patients may experience pain in the lumbar and back areas, which could be due to inflammation caused by a retroperitoneal position. Based on the typical symptoms of appendicitis, a diagnosis cannot be confirmed. After confirmation, most cases require an appendectomy.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What can you eat with appendicitis?

The diet for appendicitis should be based on the needs of the condition, determining what can or cannot be eaten based on the response of the gastrointestinal tract. During the acute inflammatory phase, fasting is necessary, and hydration and electrolytes should be replenished through intravenous fluids. If the inflammation is severe, immediate surgical treatment should be undertaken. For chronic appendicitis, soft and easily digestible foods can be consumed, and proactive anti-inflammatory or surgical treatments should be pursued. Post-surgery, it is important to rest in bed and use anti-infection medications timely to prevent infections.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long does acute appendicitis hurt?

The pain associated with appendicitis is directly related to the severity of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, pain can be significantly relieved after using antispasmodic analgesics. However, if acute appendicitis leads to a suppurative appendix or perforation, the abdominal pain will last for a very long time, accompanied by signs of peritoneal irritation, such as tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen. Therefore, the main principle of treating acute appendicitis is to perform surgery to remove the suppurative appendix. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a viable option, as it involves less bleeding and allows for a faster postoperative recovery.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an acute inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. The primary symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and rebound pain. Migratory right lower abdominal pain is a common indicator used for diagnosing appendicitis. Additionally, appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum may also present with radiating pain in the lower back. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgical treatment is required, except for elderly or frail individuals who cannot tolerate surgery and may opt for conservative treatment. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used surgical method, as it involves less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterwards. Postoperative care should be emphasized, with adjustments in diet, and an increased intake of vegetables to prevent constipation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis be contagious?

Appendicitis is a nonspecific inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. It is not contagious, therefore, it is not an infectious disease. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically because the main blood supply to the appendix is the appendicular artery, which can easily lead to ischemic necrosis during inflammation. If controlled solely by medication, symptoms are likely to recur easily. Currently, appendectomy is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, under laparoscopy, which results in less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterward. Generally, if there is no suppuration or perforation, patients can be discharged three days after surgery. Postoperative care should be enhanced, including eating more vegetables to prevent constipation.