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Appendicitis
Does appendicitis cause fever?
Appendicitis often causes fever, due to systemic infection caused by inflammation entering the bloodstream. Generally, it only causes a low fever without chills. The temperature in suppurative appendicitis does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. High fever above 38 degrees Celsius is mostly seen in cases of appendiceal perforation or concurrent peritonitis. In addition to fever, acute appendicitis also presents with abdominal pain, tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen, tension in the abdominal muscles, as well as nausea, vomiting, and increased frequency of bowel movements due to reflexive gastric spasms.
Does chronic appendicitis cause nausea?
Under normal circumstances, chronic appendicitis is characterized by recurrent discomfort and pain in the lower right abdomen. In terms of gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic appendicitis usually presents with bloating and indigestion, and rarely manifests symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. However, when chronic appendicitis undergoes an acute attack, it can also present gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting similar to those of acute appendicitis. Therefore, it can be said that chronic appendicitis can manifest gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea.
How is acute appendicitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of acute appendicitis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, signs, and auxiliary examinations. The patient describes abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. During the physical examination, migratory pain in the lower right abdomen and significant rebound tenderness upon palpation are noted. Additionally, ultrasound diagnostics suggest swelling of the appendix lumen, all indicative of acute appendicitis. For acute appendicitis, once confirmed, surgery is generally required to remove the appendix, which is the only way to completely cure acute appendicitis.
What department should I go to for appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a common disease in general surgery, so one can register for a general surgery appointment. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of appendicitis is mainly based on clinical manifestations. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. The abdominal pain starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen after several hours, where the pain becomes localized. Once diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is often required. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This surgical method requires general anesthesia and is relatively complex, but recovery is quicker, and patients typically can be discharged after a routine 3-day hospital stay.
What to pay attention to with appendicitis
Patients with appendicitis should pay attention to diet adjustments and regular routines, as well as choosing the correct treatment method. Diet should be lighter, consume more vegetables, ensure smooth bowel movements, eat less raw, cold, and spicy foods, rest more, and avoid excessive fatigue, especially staying up late. Additionally, pay attention to active and effective treatments. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach, and laparoscopic appendectomy can be chosen. This surgical method involves less bleeding during the operation and a faster postoperative recovery, requiring a rest period of two weeks post-surgery.
How to relieve appendicitis pain
Pain relief for appendicitis can be achieved using medications, such as antispasmodics and sedatives. If medication control is ineffective, surgery to remove the appendix should be considered, as this can address the root cause of abdominal pain. Moreover, for acute appendicitis, surgical treatment is relatively definitive. While medications can manage symptoms temporarily, appendicitis often recurs after some time. Laparoscopic appendix removal is an option that causes less harm to the patient and typically allows for a quicker postoperative recovery.
Does acute appendicitis cause vomiting?
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.
Does appendicitis surgery hurt?
Appendectomy is performed under either epidural or general anesthesia, so the procedure is completely painless. However, postoperatively, as the anesthesia wears off, there may be slight pain at the incision site. Painkillers can be taken if the pain is intolerable. Additionally, close monitoring of vital signs is important postoperatively. Regular dressing changes at the surgical site and dietary control are required. For the first one to two days after surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended. From the third to the fifth day, patients can gradually transition to a normal diet. Furthermore, consuming high-protein foods can enhance nutrition and promote healing of the incision.
Acute appendicitis clinical features
Acute appendicitis generally presents primarily as abdominal pain, specifically migratory pain to the lower right abdomen. Initially, the patient may experience stomach pain, which gradually shifts to pain in the lower right abdomen. Whether it is appendicitis needs to be diagnosed by a physical examination by a doctor, or an ultrasound of the appendix during the acute phase can be performed. If the appendix appears significantly swollen on the ultrasound, it can also confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Typically, the best treatment for acute appendicitis is surgery, especially if the condition is very severe and critical, as it may lead to perforation of the appendix and result in purulent peritonitis, which is very serious and life-threatening. Therefore, once diagnosed with acute appendicitis, it is best to be hospitalized for surgery.
Causes of appendicitis
The main causes of appendicitis are the narrowing of the appendix lumen and the subsequent blockage of the appendix lumen. Bacterial infection can directly cause acute inflammation. Additionally, poor dietary habits in daily life can also trigger appendicitis. These include overeating and binge drinking, engaging in strenuous exercise right after eating, consuming strong tea, coffee, or spirits, neglecting rest, and excessive fatigue. Therefore, for the prevention of appendicitis, it is mainly important to develop regular lifestyle and eating habits, with meals at fixed times and in measured amounts, and consuming more vegetables to ensure the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.