Acute Appendicitis Etiology

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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The cause of acute appendicitis is primarily bacterial infection of the appendiceal lumen due to various reasons. The appendix itself is a narrow tube connected to the cecum. If a fecalith falls into the lumen, it can cause obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, leading to an increase in intra-luminal pressure and circulatory disturbances in the appendiceal wall. At this time, the mucosa is susceptible to damage, and bacterial invasion of the wall can cause infections of varying degrees. Additionally, gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as diarrhea or constipation, can also cause spasms of the appendiceal vessels, leading to blood supply disturbances and resulting in acute inflammation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Early symptoms of acute appendicitis

The symptoms of the early stage of acute appendicitis primarily include vague abdominal pain, initially across the abdomen, then transitioning around the belly button, and after several hours, shifting to the lower right abdomen where the pain becomes localized. The early symptoms of acute appendicitis are not typically distinctive, with the onset being quite sudden, accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Based on these typical clinical manifestations, diagnosing acute appendicitis is not difficult. Clinically, the main treatment is the surgical removal of the appendix, with laparoscopic appendectomy being the more common practice nowadays. This method involves less bleeding during the operation and a quicker post-operative recovery.

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Gastroenterology
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acute appendicitis symptoms

The symptoms of acute appendicitis typically include abdominal pain at the onset of the condition, which initially occurs around the navel and then localizes to the lower right abdomen, as well as early nausea and vomiting caused by gastric spasms. Patients with more severe inflammation may also exhibit fever. If the inflammation spreads to the peritoneum, there will be tenderness at McBurney's point and rebound tenderness, along with tense abdominal muscles. Based on these symptoms, making a definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis is not particularly difficult.

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Acute appendicitis nursing care

The nursing care for acute appendicitis includes preoperative care and postoperative care. Before surgery and on the day of surgery, fasting is required; the patient should not eat anything. At the same time, it is important to soothe the patient's emotions. If the pain is very severe, sedative analgesics can be used. After the surgery, dietary care should be intensified. On the first day after the surgery, a liquid diet should be administered. After bowel gas is passed, a normal diet can be resumed on the third to fourth day. It is important to monitor vital signs and the condition of the surgical incision to prevent infection. The patient can engage in activities out of bed 24 hours after surgery. Elderly patients should be assisted in expectoration to prevent dependent pneumonia.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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The etiology of acute appendicitis

The main cause of acute appendicitis is due to the narrowing of the appendiceal lumen, which can easily lead to the obstruction of food residues and fecal masses. Following the obstruction, mucosal damage occurs, which leads to secondary infections. Additionally, neglecting regular living habits, such as overeating, excessive fatigue, and frequent heavy drinking can exacerbate or trigger acute appendicitis. Therefore, maintaining regular living habits in daily life, such as having meals at fixed times, reasonable rest and work schedules, balancing work and leisure, and engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, can play a positive role in preventing acute appendicitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Precursors of acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is acute inflammation of the appendix lumen, and currently, there are no particularly typical precursors, but the causes of acute appendicitis should be noted, which are related to obstruction and infection of the appendix cavity. If the appendix lumen is compressed for a long time, the accumulation of secretions can cause blood supply disorders in the distal appendix wall, directly causing damage to the appendix mucosa, and inducing infection that leads to appendicitis. Additionally, gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as diarrhea and constipation can also cause spasms of the appendix muscles and vessels, leading to blood supply disorders and mucosal damage, thereby causing acute appendicitis.