Typical symptoms of acute appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The typical symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain, which starts in the upper abdomen or around the navel and, after several hours, shifts and localizes to the lower right abdomen. Additionally, reflexive gastric spasms may cause nausea and vomiting. Due to the inflammation, the body may develop a fever, generally not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. If the inflammation affects the parietal peritoneum, it can cause tenderness, rebound pain, and abdominal muscle rigidity. These are the typical symptoms, and a preliminary diagnosis can usually be made based on them. Most cases require an appendectomy.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How is acute appendicitis diagnosed?

The definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis is primarily through clinical physical examination and auxiliary tests. Based on typical symptoms of acute appendicitis, such as migratory right lower abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, and a few patients may have symptoms of constipation or diarrhea. There is obvious tenderness and rebound pain when pressing on the abdomen. Additionally, an abdominal ultrasound can indicate swelling of the appendix lumen and a significant increase in appendix size. These aspects can lead to a preliminary diagnosis, and once acute appendicitis is confirmed, surgical treatment should be carried out.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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The difference between chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis

The difference between chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis is that most cases of chronic appendicitis are formed after the treatment of acute appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis display different symptoms. Acute appendicitis has typical migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, which initially appears in the upper abdomen and then moves to McBurney's point in the lower right abdomen. Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, often lacks upper abdominal pain and initially presents with fixed discomfort or vague pain in the lower right abdomen. Only when chronic appendicitis acutely flares up does significant tenderness in the lower right abdomen occur, and rebound pain appears with peritonitis. Chronic appendicitis may also occasionally present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

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Gastroenterology
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Anesthesia methods for acute appendicitis

The anesthesia method for acute appendicitis is related to the type of surgical treatment. If laparoscopic appendectomy is chosen, general anesthesia is usually required. If a traditional McBurney point incision is used for appendectomy, spinal anesthesia is primarily chosen. Additionally, after anesthesia, gastrointestinal function will be somewhat restricted. Until there is no gas or bowel movement from the rectum, patients should not eat after surgery. Only when the rectum starts to pass gas, indicating that gastrointestinal function is beginning to recover, can the patient begin to consume soft foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does acute appendicitis cause vomiting?

Acute appendicitis can cause vomiting due to inflammation stimulating spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to vomiting, another typical symptom is abdominal pain, which starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, and it is more commonly fixed in the lower right abdomen. The inflammation entering the bloodstream also causes fever, generally not exceeding 38.5°C. If there is significant pus formation or appendix perforation, it can cause high fever. The treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the appendix, with laparoscopic appendix removal being commonly used nowadays. This surgical method has less bleeding during the operation and a faster recovery afterward.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to medicate for acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is commonly treated surgically in clinical settings. Medication for acute appendicitis should be used with caution according to indications; if the appendix is not purulent, it is appropriate to use anti-inflammatory drugs to control the infection and choose sensitive antibiotics, such as quinolones. If the appendix becomes purulent or perforates, timely surgical treatment should be administered to prevent further exacerbation of appendicitis. Before and after the surgery, it is important to monitor whether the patient's symptoms and signs have significantly worsened. (Medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician and based on actual conditions)