Symptoms of acute appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The typical symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain that starts around the upper abdomen or navel area, then localizes to the lower right abdomen. There are also manifestations of gastrointestinal spasms such as nausea and vomiting. Due to inflammation entering the bloodstream, there can be a systemic infection, often accompanied by fever, generally not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. If there is an appendix perforation and peritonitis, the temperature can exceed 38 degrees. After the appendix becomes suppurative, symptoms can include abdominal muscle rigidity, dental pain, and rebound tenderness.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How is acute appendicitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, signs, and auxiliary examinations. The patient describes abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. During the physical examination, migratory pain in the lower right abdomen and significant rebound tenderness upon palpation are noted. Additionally, ultrasound diagnostics suggest swelling of the appendix lumen, all indicative of acute appendicitis. For acute appendicitis, once confirmed, surgery is generally required to remove the appendix, which is the only way to completely cure acute appendicitis.

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Acute Appendicitis Etiology

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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Causes of Acute Appendicitis

The causes of acute appendicitis mainly include two types: one is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, and the other is infection within the appendiceal lumen. The appendix is a tube that communicates with the cecum. If it is blocked by fecoliths or fecal masses, it can lead to increased pressure inside the appendiceal lumen, damage to the mucosa, and bacterial invasion causing infection, which directly leads to acute inflammation. At the same time, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also cause spasm of appendix muscles and blood vessels, leading to blood supply disturbances. Irregular lifestyle habits, overeating, and engaging in vigorous activities after meals can all trigger acute appendicitis.

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Location of pain in acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis mostly presents as abdominal pain, initially around the navel or throughout the abdomen, then gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen, and the pain becomes localized. If the appendix is situated behind the peritoneum, there can also be pain in the lower back area. Besides pain, other symptoms include vomiting and fever. For acute appendicitis, surgery is commonly required, often performed through laparoscopic appendectomy. This type of surgery involves minimal bleeding and a quicker recovery, qualifying as a minimally invasive treatment. Postoperative care is important, including regular dressing changes for the surgical site, with stitches typically being removed seven to eight days after the surgery.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does acute appendicitis cause vomiting?

Acute appendicitis can cause vomiting due to inflammation stimulating spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to vomiting, another typical symptom is abdominal pain, which starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, and it is more commonly fixed in the lower right abdomen. The inflammation entering the bloodstream also causes fever, generally not exceeding 38.5°C. If there is significant pus formation or appendix perforation, it can cause high fever. The treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the appendix, with laparoscopic appendix removal being commonly used nowadays. This surgical method has less bleeding during the operation and a faster recovery afterward.