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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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acute appendicitis symptoms

The symptoms of acute appendicitis typically include abdominal pain at the onset of the condition, which initially occurs around the navel and then localizes to the lower right abdomen, as well as early nausea and vomiting caused by gastric spasms. Patients with more severe inflammation may also exhibit fever. If the inflammation spreads to the peritoneum, there will be tenderness at McBurney's point and rebound tenderness, along with tense abdominal muscles. Based on these symptoms, making a definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis is not particularly difficult.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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The etiology of acute appendicitis

The main cause of acute appendicitis is due to the narrowing of the appendiceal lumen, which can easily lead to the obstruction of food residues and fecal masses. Following the obstruction, mucosal damage occurs, which leads to secondary infections. Additionally, neglecting regular living habits, such as overeating, excessive fatigue, and frequent heavy drinking can exacerbate or trigger acute appendicitis. Therefore, maintaining regular living habits in daily life, such as having meals at fixed times, reasonable rest and work schedules, balancing work and leisure, and engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, can play a positive role in preventing acute appendicitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Appendicitis

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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What is acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis refers to the acute inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix, which is caused by the narrowing or blockage and subsequent infection of the lumen. The primary symptom is abdominal tenderness and rebound pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. During the acute phase, blood tests often show an elevated white blood cell count. The main treatment is surgical removal of the appendix, with laparoscopic appendectomy being the commonly used method. This is also a minimally invasive approach to appendicitis treatment. Postoperative care is important, and it is advised to fast on the day of the surgery. Once gas passes through the rectum, a liquid diet may be resumed.

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

The principle of treating acute appendicitis is to rehydrate and fight infection, complete related auxiliary examinations, and then carry out an emergency appendectomy. Acute appendicitis can be controlled by medication, but the effectiveness of medications is limited; most cases still require the removal of the appendix through surgery. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is an available option. This method is relatively more complex, but it allows for faster recovery and less trauma post-surgery, though it tends to be more expensive.