Does acute appendicitis hurt?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 24, 2025
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Acute appendicitis is associated with abdominal pain, the severity of which is directly related to the extent of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, the abdominal pain can be tolerable. However, if there is significant pus in the appendix or perforation, it can cause severe abdominal pain, similar to being cut by a knife. Acute appendicitis generally requires surgical treatment. Currently, a common procedure is laparoscopic appendectomy, which causes less bleeding during surgery and allows for a quicker recovery with minimal damage to the body. For patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia can be used, and the appendix can be removed through an incision at McBurney's point.

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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.

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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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Which is more serious, acute appendicitis or chronic appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is relatively common in clinical practice with severe symptoms. Compared to chronic appendicitis, acute appendicitis can cause the appendix tube to become purulent and perforate, leading to a widespread peritonitis. Severe peritonitis can cause multi-organ failure and even shock. Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, mainly manifests as chronic abdominal pain and seldom shows signs of appendix perforation. It primarily leads to an abscess around the appendix, encapsulating the appendix and causing repetitive chronic pain, which is difficult to heal. Both acute and chronic appendicitis should be treated surgically by removing the appendix to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Typical symptoms of acute appendicitis

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.

doctor image
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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

Does acute appendicitis hurt?

Acute appendicitis is associated with abdominal pain, the severity of which is directly related to the extent of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, the abdominal pain can be tolerable. However, if there is significant pus in the appendix or perforation, it can cause severe abdominal pain, similar to being cut by a knife. Acute appendicitis generally requires surgical treatment. Currently, a common procedure is laparoscopic appendectomy, which causes less bleeding during surgery and allows for a quicker recovery with minimal damage to the body. For patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia can be used, and the appendix can be removed through an incision at McBurney's point.