The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The differences between acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis mainly lie in the onset of the condition, physical signs, and laboratory tests. First, regarding the onset of the condition, acute appendicitis occurs suddenly and can involve abrupt abdominal pain, whereas chronic appendicitis often manifests as fixed tenderness in the lower right abdomen and the symptoms are not particularly typical. In terms of physical signs, acute appendicitis presents with migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, while chronic appendicitis generally does not involve rebound pain. Thirdly, concerning auxiliary examinations, acute appendicitis shows a significant increase in the white blood cell count during an attack, whereas in chronic appendicitis, the white blood cell count may appear normal.

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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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What can you eat with acute appendicitis?

During an acute appendicitis attack, you must not eat or drink anything, and it's important to choose surgical treatment actively. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method leads to less bleeding during surgery and quicker recovery afterward. In the postoperative recovery period, you can gradually eat some liquid foods such as rice soup, vegetable soup, and egg custard. Normal diet can be resumed after three days post-surgery, and eating nutritionally rich foods can help speed up recovery and improve physical condition. Regular care is required for the surgical incision, and stitches can generally be removed about a week later.

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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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The difference between acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis.

The differences between acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis are mainly manifested in: First, the onset of the condition. Acute appendicitis develops suddenly, characterized by sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, while chronic appendicitis usually stems from prolonged acute appendicitis, with symptoms that are not as abrupt. Second, the clinical signs. Acute appendicitis can involve the peritoneum and is characterized by significant abdominal tenderness and rebound pain, whereas chronic appendicitis generally does not exhibit rebound pain. Third, during an acute appendicitis attack, there is a clear increase in blood markers, whereas chronic appendicitis typically shows normal blood markers.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of Acute Appendicitis

The causes of acute appendicitis mainly include two types: one is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, and the other is infection within the appendiceal lumen. The appendix is a tube that communicates with the cecum. If it is blocked by fecoliths or fecal masses, it can lead to increased pressure inside the appendiceal lumen, damage to the mucosa, and bacterial invasion causing infection, which directly leads to acute inflammation. At the same time, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also cause spasm of appendix muscles and blood vessels, leading to blood supply disturbances. Irregular lifestyle habits, overeating, and engaging in vigorous activities after meals can all trigger acute appendicitis.