Does acute appendicitis cause vomiting?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 30, 2024
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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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Symptoms of acute appendicitis

The typical symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain that starts around the upper abdomen or navel area, then localizes to the lower right abdomen. There are also manifestations of gastrointestinal spasms such as nausea and vomiting. Due to inflammation entering the bloodstream, there can be a systemic infection, often accompanied by fever, generally not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. If there is an appendix perforation and peritonitis, the temperature can exceed 38 degrees. After the appendix becomes suppurative, symptoms can include abdominal muscle rigidity, dental pain, and rebound tenderness.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis surgery is where?

Acute appendicitis primarily involves the removal of the appendix, which is also the main purpose of surgical treatment. The traditional appendectomy through McBurney's point incision involves anesthesia at the waist area, making an incision at McBurney's point, ligating the appendiceal artery, removing the appendix from its base, and then suturing the end with a purse-string stitch. In laparoscopic appendectomy, performed under general anesthesia, the appendiceal artery is also ligated and the appendix removed, followed by suturing the end. Postoperative care should be enhanced to avoid excessive exertion.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute Appendicitis Etiology

The cause of acute appendicitis is primarily bacterial infection of the appendiceal lumen due to various reasons. The appendix itself is a narrow tube connected to the cecum. If a fecalith falls into the lumen, it can cause obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, leading to an increase in intra-luminal pressure and circulatory disturbances in the appendiceal wall. At this time, the mucosa is susceptible to damage, and bacterial invasion of the wall can cause infections of varying degrees. Additionally, gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as diarrhea or constipation, can also cause spasms of the appendiceal vessels, leading to blood supply disturbances and resulting in acute inflammation.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Acute appendicitis pressure point

Acute appendicitis is primarily diagnosed by pressing on McBurney's point in the lower right abdomen, as the appendix is located in the right iliac fossa in the vast majority of patients, and its surface projection is mainly at the outer third of the line connecting the umbilicus and the anterior superior iliac spine. However, a very small number of people may experience situs inversus, where the appendix could possibly be located in the lower left abdomen. Tenderness at a fixed point in the lower right abdomen is often a specific diagnostic criterion for acute appendicitis in clinical practice. If most patients exhibit symptoms of peritoneal irritation, it indicates worsening appendicitis symptoms, possibly even gangrene perforation. Most patients who experience a course lasting more than 3-5 days can develop a mass in the lower right abdomen, indicating the formation of a periappendiceal abscess. In cases where the symptoms are manageable, conservative treatment strategies can be adopted. Traditional Chinese Medicine methods can be used to promote the absorption of inflammation, with an appendectomy scheduled three months later.

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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.