Can appendicitis be contagious?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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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.

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Where does chronic appendicitis hurt?

Chronic appendicitis, unlike acute appendicitis, does not begin with upper abdominal pain followed by pain in the lower right abdomen, which we refer to as migratory lower right abdominal pain; migratory lower right abdominal pain is a characteristic symptom of acute appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis typically presents with chronic recurrent pain, discomfort, dull pain, or bloating in the lower right abdomen. During a physical examination, chronic appendicitis generally manifests as fixed tenderness in the lower right abdomen, with less evident rebound pain. Rebound pain in the lower right abdomen during a physical exam only occurs when chronic appendicitis acutely flares up and signs of peritonitis are present.

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Is surgery necessary for appendicitis?

Once appendicitis is diagnosed, most cases require surgical treatment because the blood supply to the appendix is quite unique, with only the appendicular artery providing blood flow. If appendicitis occurs, it can easily lead to ischemic necrosis of the appendix, resulting in gangrenous appendicitis. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical procedure, which is a minimally invasive treatment. For elderly or frail individuals who cannot tolerate surgery, conservative treatment is the only option. Postoperative care should be enhanced, with regular dressing changes at the incision site, and stitches can generally be removed one week after surgery. A semi-liquid diet is recommended for one to two days after surgery, and a regular diet can be resumed three to four days post-operation.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
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What should I do if I have appendicitis pain?

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 Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis cause a fever?

Appendicitis can cause fever, and generally, it is considered an inflammatory condition. Besides fever, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Typically, the abdominal pain manifests as lower right quadrant pain, which is referred pain. If a patient has fever and typical lower right quadrant pain, further investigations like abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, and CT scans should be carried out. Diagnosing appendicitis is usually not difficult. The treatment of choice for appendicitis is generally surgical intervention, especially for early-stage patients with symptoms lasting less than three days, where an appendectomy is recommended. However, in some elderly patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, etc., who are not suitable for surgery, especially if the duration of the illness is more than three days, conservative medical treatment can be chosen. Conservative treatment primarily involves active anti-infection and anti-inflammatory measures and usually takes longer. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?

For acute appendicitis, if the appendix is not removed surgically, it is relatively prone to recurrence, and chronic appendicitis may also develop. Therefore, once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgery to remove the appendix is generally required. The more commonly used surgical method is laparoscopic appendectomy. This method involves less bleeding during the surgery and quicker postoperative recovery, with minimal damage to the body. Only small scars can be seen on the body surface, making it a preferable option for those concerned about aesthetics.