Acute appendicitis clinical features

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
41sec home-news-image

Can you exercise with appendicitis?

During the acute onset of appendicitis, it is not suitable to exercise. This is because the patient's immune system is weakened, and exercise can exacerbate the spread of inflammation, making the appendix more likely to perforate. In cases of chronic appendicitis, as well as during the recovery period after appendix surgery, moderate activities can be performed. Exercise can be carried out after the stitches are removed, but the intensity of the exercise should not be too high. It is necessary to progress gradually, and an abdominal binder should be used to protect the incision site. It's also important to strengthen nutrition, improve physical fitness, and eat more coarse grains to maintain smooth bowel movements.

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

Appendicitis pain location

Appendicitis initially presents with pain throughout the abdomen and around the navel, which gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen, and the pain becomes more localized. Besides abdominal pain, symptoms of appendicitis can also include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most cases of appendicitis require surgical treatment. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical method. This technique involves less bleeding during surgery, quicker postoperative recovery, and minimal scarring. If one cannot tolerate general anesthesia, an option is to remove the appendix through an incision at McBurney's point.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
49sec home-news-image

Where to apply moxibustion for appendicitis

Generally, when considering moxibustion for appendicitis, the most painful area is the lower right abdomen. This is only an auxiliary treatment. It is recommended to visit a general surgery department to complete relevant examinations, such as an ultrasound, and check the complete blood count. Afterwards, treatment can be conducted based on the results. Initially, conservative treatment is tried, such as taking anti-inflammatory drugs, like cephalosporins, then rest is advised, along with attention to diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating, cold, and hard foods, adjusting the mindset, and regular follow-up checks. If the effect is not satisfactory, surgical intervention may be necessary, and medications should be taken on time post-surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

How to diagnose appendicitis

Appendicitis is primarily diagnosed clinically through a physical examination. The patient is asked to lie flat, exposing the abdomen, with legs bent. The doctor stands on the patient’s right side and uses the right hand with fingers together to gently rub the abdomen, pressing on the McBurney's point. If there is significant pain, this is considered positive tenderness. Then, the doctor quickly lifts the fingers; if there is significant rebound pain, it is generally confirmed as acute appendicitis. During acute appendicitis, as the appendix lumen expands and the appendix becomes congested and edematous, ultrasound imaging can also show corresponding signs that serve as an auxiliary diagnosis. Once acute appendicitis is confirmed, it is mostly treated surgically.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 17sec home-news-image

Appendicitis belongs to which department?

Appendicitis falls under the domain of general surgery, and its pathological changes can be categorized into several types. The first type is acute simple appendicitis, characterized by mucosal congestion and edema, with patients typically presenting mild symptoms. The second type is acute suppurative appendicitis, also known as cellulitis, where symptoms worsen, and patients may develop fever and experience tenderness and rebound pain in the lower right abdomen. The third type includes acute gangrenous and perforative appendicitis, where the condition further worsens. The appendix wall is necrotic or partially necrotic, and perforation usually occurs at the proximal end of the appendix, potentially leading to the formation of a periappendiceal abscess. If the perforation extends into the abdominal cavity, it can lead to diffuse peritonitis, often requiring emergency surgical exploration. The fourth type involves a periappendiceal abscess, typically progressing slowly. The omentum can move to the lower right side and envelop the appendix, forming adhesions and leading to the formation of an abscess. Most cases are treated conservatively, and traditional Chinese medicine is used adjunctively to promote the absorption of the abscess.