Can appendicitis cause vomiting?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on December 10, 2024
00:00
00:00

Some patients with appendicitis may experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This is because the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen near the ileocecal area, and the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum. The appendix is an independent organ of the human digestive tract. When inflamed, the inflammation can easily irritate the surrounding intestines, causing intestinal spasms and contractions, leading to nausea and vomiting. A typical manifestation of appendicitis is referred pain in the lower right abdomen. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is advisable to promptly start anti-inflammatory treatment and, if necessary, proceed with surgical treatment. Appendicitis can range from acute simple appendicitis, which responds well to conservative anti-inflammatory treatment, to acute suppurative or even perforated appendicitis. In these severe cases, it is recommended to perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix and clear the inflammatory secretions, alongside anti-inflammatory treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
44sec home-news-image

Does appendicitis surgery hurt?

Appendectomy is performed under either epidural or general anesthesia, so the procedure is completely painless. However, postoperatively, as the anesthesia wears off, there may be slight pain at the incision site. Painkillers can be taken if the pain is intolerable. Additionally, close monitoring of vital signs is important postoperatively. Regular dressing changes at the surgical site and dietary control are required. For the first one to two days after surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended. From the third to the fifth day, patients can gradually transition to a normal diet. Furthermore, consuming high-protein foods can enhance nutrition and promote healing of the incision.

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 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
38sec home-news-image

Does acute appendicitis cause diarrhea?

Acute appendicitis rarely involves diarrhea. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain that begins around the navel or upper abdomen and gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain is persistent and localized. Additionally, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may cause nausea or vomiting. If the appendix becomes suppurative or perforated, it can lead to tension in the abdominal muscles, tenderness, and rebound pain. Most cases of acute appendicitis require surgical removal, and currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used procedure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
40sec home-news-image

What to pay attention to with appendicitis

Patients with appendicitis should pay attention to diet adjustments and regular routines, as well as choosing the correct treatment method. Diet should be lighter, consume more vegetables, ensure smooth bowel movements, eat less raw, cold, and spicy foods, rest more, and avoid excessive fatigue, especially staying up late. Additionally, pay attention to active and effective treatments. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach, and laparoscopic appendectomy can be chosen. This surgical method involves less bleeding during the operation and a faster postoperative recovery, requiring a rest period of two weeks post-surgery.