How long does acute appendicitis hurt?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 24, 2025
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The pain associated with appendicitis is directly related to the severity of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, pain can be significantly relieved after using antispasmodic analgesics. However, if acute appendicitis leads to a suppurative appendix or perforation, the abdominal pain will last for a very long time, accompanied by signs of peritoneal irritation, such as tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen. Therefore, the main principle of treating acute appendicitis is to perform surgery to remove the suppurative appendix. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a viable option, as it involves less bleeding and allows for a faster postoperative recovery.

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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.

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What to eat with appendicitis

During the acute phase of appendicitis, no food should be consumed. In the recovery or remission phase, a semi-liquid diet is appropriate, such as drinking rice soup, noodle soup, and vegetable soup, and consuming vegetables like Chinese cabbage and cabbage to supplement dietary fiber and vitamins. On the day of appendicitis surgery, eating is also prohibited. A semi-liquid diet is recommended for 1 to 2 days post-surgery, gradually transitioning to a normal diet over 3 to 5 days. After transitioning to a normal diet, foods like beef, lamb, and eggs can be consumed to supplement nutrients and promote wound healing.

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How long to rest after appendicitis surgery?

After an appendectomy, if there is no significant suppuration or infection, a recovery period of at least two weeks is required. During this period, it is important to rest, pay attention to diet, increase nutrition, and increase protein intake, such as eating more chicken, fish, and soy products. Also, consume more vegetables and fruits, engage in appropriate exercises to increase gastrointestinal motility. The surgical incision should be dressed regularly, and sutures can be removed after a week post-operation, then depending on the condition, decide whether to change the dressing again.

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Appendicitis surgery how many days to remove stitches?

Appendectomy stitches are generally removed about a week after the surgery. However, there are special circumstances where the removal of stitches may be delayed. For example, if the patient is physically weak, nutritionally compromised, or if the wound heals slowly, it is necessary to wait until the wound has sufficiently healed before removing the stitches. If the appendectomy incision shows clear signs of pus formation, it is crucial to remove the stitches promptly, thoroughly clean the wound, and then dress it externally. Therefore, the timing for stitch removal after an appendectomy should be based on the patient's current medical condition.

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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.