What can you eat with appendicitis?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

The diet for appendicitis should be based on the needs of the condition, determining what can or cannot be eaten based on the response of the gastrointestinal tract. During the acute inflammatory phase, fasting is necessary, and hydration and electrolytes should be replenished through intravenous fluids. If the inflammation is severe, immediate surgical treatment should be undertaken. For chronic appendicitis, soft and easily digestible foods can be consumed, and proactive anti-inflammatory or surgical treatments should be pursued. Post-surgery, it is important to rest in bed and use anti-infection medications timely to prevent infections.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
52sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an acute inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. The primary symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and rebound pain. Migratory right lower abdominal pain is a common indicator used for diagnosing appendicitis. Additionally, appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum may also present with radiating pain in the lower back. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgical treatment is required, except for elderly or frail individuals who cannot tolerate surgery and may opt for conservative treatment. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used surgical method, as it involves less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterwards. Postoperative care should be emphasized, with adjustments in diet, and an increased intake of vegetables to prevent constipation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
47sec home-news-image

Where does chronic appendicitis hurt?

Chronic appendicitis, unlike acute appendicitis, does not begin with upper abdominal pain followed by pain in the lower right abdomen, which we refer to as migratory lower right abdominal pain; migratory lower right abdominal pain is a characteristic symptom of acute appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis typically presents with chronic recurrent pain, discomfort, dull pain, or bloating in the lower right abdomen. During a physical examination, chronic appendicitis generally manifests as fixed tenderness in the lower right abdomen, with less evident rebound pain. Rebound pain in the lower right abdomen during a physical exam only occurs when chronic appendicitis acutely flares up and signs of peritonitis are present.

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
36sec home-news-image

Is chronic appendicitis serious?

Chronic appendicitis can achieve good treatment outcomes through active surgical treatment or conservative treatment, and the cases of appendicitis here are not severe. However, a very small portion of patients with chronic appendicitis, especially those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, are at risk of developing a purulent infection of the appendix, which can lead to perforation of the appendix and result in diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. Thus, it can be said that there are indeed a few severe cases among patients with chronic appendicitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

Is there a scar from appendicitis surgery?

Appendectomy involves cutting into the skin, so scars remain on the body after healing. The traditional surgery method through McBurney's point leaves a larger scar, whereas the current laparoscopic treatment, which involves removing the appendix through laparoscopy, only leaves three small incisions on the body and results in smaller scars. Recovery is also faster, making this minimally invasive treatment a preferable option for those who are highly concerned about aesthetics. Additionally, postoperative care is crucial; eating is not allowed on the day of the surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended for the first 1-2 days post-operation, and a normal diet can be resumed after 3-4 days.