The difference between acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis.

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 15, 2025
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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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The cause of acute appendicitis

The etiology of acute appendicitis is directly related to obstruction and infection of the appendiceal lumen. The appendix, a narrow and elongated tube connected to the cecum, can develop increased luminal pressure due to obstruction, leading to disturbances in the blood supply to the appendiceal wall. This can easily cause damage to the mucosa and subsequent infection. Infection of the appendiceal lumen can directly cause acute appendicitis. Additionally, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also cause muscle and vascular spasms in the appendix leading to blood supply disturbances and the invasion of bacteria, resulting in acute inflammation. For acute appendicitis, surgical treatment should be administered immediately upon diagnosis.

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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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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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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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Gastroenterology
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How is acute appendicitis treated?

Acute appendicitis treatment primarily involves surgical methods, where the inflamed, suppurative, or perforated appendix is excised during the procedure, and then the base of the appendix is sutured. Moreover, if there is suppuration, it is necessary to irrigate the peritoneal cavity to prevent intra-abdominal infections. After the surgery, fluid therapy should be administered based on the patient's condition. In cases of perforation or suppuration, antibiotics should be used post-operatively. For simple appendicitis, post-operative fluid replenishment is generally sufficient, and antibiotics are not required. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)