Appendicitis

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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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Precursors of acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is acute inflammation of the appendix lumen, and currently, there are no particularly typical precursors, but the causes of acute appendicitis should be noted, which are related to obstruction and infection of the appendix cavity. If the appendix lumen is compressed for a long time, the accumulation of secretions can cause blood supply disorders in the distal appendix wall, directly causing damage to the appendix mucosa, and inducing infection that leads to appendicitis. Additionally, gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as diarrhea and constipation can also cause spasms of the appendix muscles and vessels, leading to blood supply disorders and mucosal damage, thereby causing acute appendicitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to medicate for acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is commonly treated surgically in clinical settings. Medication for acute appendicitis should be used with caution according to indications; if the appendix is not purulent, it is appropriate to use anti-inflammatory drugs to control the infection and choose sensitive antibiotics, such as quinolones. If the appendix becomes purulent or perforates, timely surgical treatment should be administered to prevent further exacerbation of appendicitis. Before and after the surgery, it is important to monitor whether the patient's symptoms and signs have significantly worsened. (Medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician and based on actual conditions)

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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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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
39sec home-news-image

Causes of Acute Appendicitis

The main causes of acute appendicitis are obstruction of the appendiceal lumen and concurrent infection. The appendiceal lumen is a narrow tube that communicates with the cecum at one end. Obstruction, such as a fecalith, can lead to increased pressure inside the lumen, disturbances in blood flow, damage to the mucosa, and secondary infection. It can also be caused by direct bacterial infection within the appendiceal lumen, leading to acute inflammation. Additionally, repeated diarrhea or constipation and other gastrointestinal dysfunctions can also cause circulation disturbances in the appendix, leading to bacterial invasion and acute inflammation.