What to eat with appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 02, 2024
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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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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis pain is on that side.

In the initial stages of acute appendicitis, pain can occur in the left side of the abdomen, then gradually move around the navel, and eventually becomes fixed in the lower right abdomen. The typical symptom of appendicitis is migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, which becomes severe upon pressing and intensifies when lifted, a phenomenon known as rebound tenderness. A small number of patients may experience pain in the lumbar and back areas, which could be due to inflammation caused by a retroperitoneal position. Based on the typical symptoms of appendicitis, a diagnosis cannot be confirmed. After confirmation, most cases require an appendectomy.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Appendicitis surgery, how many days to discharge?

This is directly related to the surgical method. If it is a laparoscopic appendectomy, this is a minimally invasive treatment, and recovery is quick; patients generally can be discharged from the hospital three days post-surgery, and sutures can be removed at a scheduled follow-up visit. If it is the traditional surgery method through McBurney's point incision, this method also allows for quick recovery, and patients can be discharged after the sutures are removed. Additionally, this also relates to the patient's physique and the severity of their condition. For elderly patients, the hospital stay may be extended. If the appendix has a clear perforation or causes diffuse peritonitis, the use of antibiotics must be intensified post-surgery, hence extending the treatment period. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Which location does appendicitis hurt?

The typical symptom of appendicitis is pain in the lower right abdomen. Generally, during acute appendicitis, the pain can last for several hours or even longer, with about 70% to 80% of patients experiencing characteristic migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. Migratory pain in the lower right abdomen refers to initial pain in the upper abdomen that later manifests as persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. However, some patients initially present with pain in the lower right abdomen directly. In some cases of pregnant women with acute appendicitis, due to the appendix being pushed upward by the enlarged uterus, pain can also occur in the upper right abdomen. Additionally, acute appendicitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.