Can appendicitis be contagious?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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Appendicitis is a nonspecific inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. It is not contagious, therefore, it is not an infectious disease. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically because the main blood supply to the appendix is the appendicular artery, which can easily lead to ischemic necrosis during inflammation. If controlled solely by medication, symptoms are likely to recur easily. Currently, appendectomy is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, under laparoscopy, which results in less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterward. Generally, if there is no suppuration or perforation, patients can be discharged three days after surgery. Postoperative care should be enhanced, including eating more vegetables to prevent constipation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does appendicitis surgery require an incision?

Appendicitis surgery can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive treatment. Open surgery involves a traditional incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix, which is now rarely used, predominantly replaced by minimally invasive treatment under laparoscopy. The procedure is the same for both methods, involving ligation of the appendicular artery followed by cutting the appendix at its base and suturing the stump. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less intraoperative bleeding, faster postoperative recovery, and less physical trauma. Patients can choose between open surgery or minimally invasive treatment based on their personal circumstances and financial conditions.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can appendicitis cause vomiting?

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.

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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 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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The dangers of chronic appendicitis

Patients with chronic appendicitis primarily exhibit persistent, recurring pain in the lower right abdomen, which may be accompanied by abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, and indigestion. These prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Additionally, chronic appendicitis can acutely flare up and become suppurative, which can lead to perforation of the appendix. Once the appendix perforates, it causes diffuse peritonitis, leading to sepsis, septic shock, and even multi-organ failure, endangering the patient's life. This outlines the dangers associated with chronic appendicitis.