Can appendicitis cause a fever?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 25, 2024
00:00
00:00

Appendicitis can cause fever, and generally, it is considered an inflammatory condition. Besides fever, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Typically, the abdominal pain manifests as lower right quadrant pain, which is referred pain. If a patient has fever and typical lower right quadrant pain, further investigations like abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, and CT scans should be carried out. Diagnosing appendicitis is usually not difficult. The treatment of choice for appendicitis is generally surgical intervention, especially for early-stage patients with symptoms lasting less than three days, where an appendectomy is recommended. However, in some elderly patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, etc., who are not suitable for surgery, especially if the duration of the illness is more than three days, conservative medical treatment can be chosen. Conservative treatment primarily involves active anti-infection and anti-inflammatory measures and usually takes longer. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
1min 5sec home-news-image

Diagnosis methods for chronic appendicitis

The diagnostic methods for chronic appendicitis mainly include medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations. Firstly, cases of chronic appendicitis generally have a history of acute appendicitis episodes. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by pain, discomfort, and dull pain in the lower right abdomen, often without a history of migratory lower right abdominal pain. In physical examinations, tenderness can be found in the lower right abdomen, and when chronic appendicitis flares up acutely, signs of peritonitis can manifest as rebound pain in the lower right abdomen. In laboratory tests, an increased white blood cell count can be observed. Auxiliary examinations may reveal thickening of the appendix wall and obstruction in the appendix lumen due to fecaliths. Therefore, chronic appendicitis can be diagnosed through methods such as medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations.

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

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.

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

Can appendicitis be contagious?

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.

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
48sec home-news-image

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.