Causes of appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 23, 2024
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The main causes of appendicitis are the narrowing of the appendix lumen and the subsequent blockage of the appendix lumen. Bacterial infection can directly cause acute inflammation. Additionally, poor dietary habits in daily life can also trigger appendicitis. These include overeating and binge drinking, engaging in strenuous exercise right after eating, consuming strong tea, coffee, or spirits, neglecting rest, and excessive fatigue. Therefore, for the prevention of appendicitis, it is mainly important to develop regular lifestyle and eating habits, with meals at fixed times and in measured amounts, and consuming more vegetables to ensure the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Can you exercise with appendicitis?

During the acute onset of appendicitis, it is not suitable to exercise. This is because the patient's immune system is weakened, and exercise can exacerbate the spread of inflammation, making the appendix more likely to perforate. In cases of chronic appendicitis, as well as during the recovery period after appendix surgery, moderate activities can be performed. Exercise can be carried out after the stitches are removed, but the intensity of the exercise should not be too high. It is necessary to progress gradually, and an abdominal binder should be used to protect the incision site. It's also important to strengthen nutrition, improve physical fitness, and eat more coarse grains to maintain smooth bowel movements.

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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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Acute appendicitis clinical classification

Acute appendicitis can be classified into four types based on the clinical course. The first type is acute simple appendicitis, where the lesions are mostly confined to the mucosa and submucosal layer, with small ulcers and bleeding spots on the mucosal surface. The symptoms and signs are relatively mild. The second type is acute suppurative appendicitis, where the lesion has spread through all the layers of the appendix wall, and pus may accumulate inside, also known as acute cellulitis appendicitis. The third type is gangrenous and perforated appendicitis, which occurs due to pus in the appendix cavity causing increased internal pressure and circulatory disturbances in the appendix wall, leading to mucosal ischemic necrosis and perforation, causing acute diffuse peritonitis. The fourth type is peri-appendiceal abscess, which forms an inflammatory mass encapsulated by the surrounding omentum during suppuration or perforation of acute appendicitis.

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Does appendicitis hurt?

Appendicitis is generally divided into chronic and acute appendicitis. Both chronic and acute appendicitis can cause pain, which is usually severe. In cases of acute appendicitis, if the pain subsides after a while, it is actually more dangerous. It may indicate complications such as intestinal perforation or intestinal necrosis, leading to gradually diminishing pain. In such cases, timely surgical removal is necessary; otherwise, if local ulceration occurs, it can potentially affect the entire intestine. Thus, appendicitis generally causes pain, especially during the chronic phase. The pain is quite noticeable and, although generally bearable, can directly impact the quality of life.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does appendicitis cause fever?

Appendicitis often causes fever, due to systemic infection caused by inflammation entering the bloodstream. Generally, it only causes a low fever without chills. The temperature in suppurative appendicitis does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. High fever above 38 degrees Celsius is mostly seen in cases of appendiceal perforation or concurrent peritonitis. In addition to fever, acute appendicitis also presents with abdominal pain, tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen, tension in the abdominal muscles, as well as nausea, vomiting, and increased frequency of bowel movements due to reflexive gastric spasms.