How to relieve appendicitis pain

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 03, 2025
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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Early symptoms of appendicitis

What are the initial symptoms of appendicitis? It is characterized by abdominal pain. The main symptom is abdominal pain that appears around the upper abdomen or navel, and some patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. Generally, two to three hours later, the abdominal pain gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen, which we clinically refer to as migratory right lower abdominal pain. This symptom accounts for about 80% of clinical cases, while some patients present directly with pain in the lower right abdomen, without transitional abdominal pain. Therefore, the primary symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, as described in these two scenarios. However, physical examination is also very important, typically revealing localized fixed tenderness in the lower right abdomen as the main clinical manifestation.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
48sec home-news-image

Should you avoid certain foods if you have chronic appendicitis?

The majority of chronic appendicitis is transformed from acute appendicitis after treatment. Clinically, it mainly manifests as recurrent pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. In cases of chronic appendicitis, it is important to pay attention to a reasonable diet, avoid overeating and the consumption of gastrointestinal irritants, including spicy foods and some hard, cold foods, as these can induce pain in the lower right abdomen. Additionally, the diet should be low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Consumable options may include liquid or semi-liquid foods, as well as foods like yogurt. It is also advisable to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances, such as apples, bananas, cabbage, and cauliflower.