Which location does appendicitis hurt?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 14, 2024
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The typical symptom of appendicitis is pain in the lower right abdomen. Generally, during acute appendicitis, the pain can last for several hours or even longer, with about 70% to 80% of patients experiencing characteristic migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. Migratory pain in the lower right abdomen refers to initial pain in the upper abdomen that later manifests as persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. However, some patients initially present with pain in the lower right abdomen directly. In some cases of pregnant women with acute appendicitis, due to the appendix being pushed upward by the enlarged uterus, pain can also occur in the upper right abdomen. Additionally, acute appendicitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

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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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Is appendicitis contagious?

Appendicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lumen of the appendix, including acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis. Appendicitis is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease, but rather a purulent inflammation. Therefore, there is no need to isolate patients with appendicitis. Appendicitis usually requires surgical removal, but it is important to note that surgery should not be performed if acute appendicitis has been present for more than 72 hours, or if an abscess has formed. The majority of surgeries are performed using laparoscopic appendectomy, a method which allows for a faster recovery post-operation.

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Characteristics of Appendicitis Pain

The most typical pain manifestation of appendicitis is migratory pain, which generally starts in the upper abdomen or around the navel, and in most cases moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes fixed within a few hours. During physical examination, the pain usually localizes to a fixed point in the lower right abdomen, typically at McBurney's point, although this can vary with the position of the appendix. However, as the condition of the appendix progresses, such as when it becomes purulent or even gangrenous, the inflammation worsens and the area of tenderness can expand. This is mostly manifested by symptoms of peritoneal irritation, which are generally indicative of the timing for surgery. In most cases of appendicitis where the diagnosis is clear, early surgical intervention is recommended, as surgery is the only cure. Most patients who improve with conservative treatment are likely to experience recurrence later on.

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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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Can appendicitis cause vomiting?

Some patients with appendicitis may experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This is because the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen near the ileocecal area, and the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum. The appendix is an independent organ of the human digestive tract. When inflamed, the inflammation can easily irritate the surrounding intestines, causing intestinal spasms and contractions, leading to nausea and vomiting. A typical manifestation of appendicitis is referred pain in the lower right abdomen. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is advisable to promptly start anti-inflammatory treatment and, if necessary, proceed with surgical treatment. Appendicitis can range from acute simple appendicitis, which responds well to conservative anti-inflammatory treatment, to acute suppurative or even perforated appendicitis. In these severe cases, it is recommended to perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix and clear the inflammatory secretions, alongside anti-inflammatory treatment.