Is acute appendicitis painful?
Dec 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Acute appendicitis is a common surgical acute abdomen condition, one of its main symptoms is abdominal pain. This pain typically begins in the upper abdomen or periumbilical area, then gradually shifts to the right lower quadrant, where it becomes localized at McBurney's point. The nature of the pain may vary among individuals, but it is generally severe and persistent, with episodes of exacerbation.
Generally, whether acute appendicitis causes pain mainly depends on the stage of inflammation. If it is at an early stage, the patient may only experience mild discomfort; however, if the inflammation progresses, the pain may become more severe. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by blockage of the appendiceal lumen and bacterial invasion. In the early stage of acute appendicitis, patients may feel mild abdominal discomfort or a dull ache, and the pain might not be intense. At this stage, if medical attention is sought promptly and appropriate treatment is received, the pain can often be relieved.
If acute appendicitis is not treated in a timely manner, the inflammation may progress and the pain can become increasingly severe. Patients may experience persistent, sharp pain, which intensifies during deep breathing, coughing, or movement. Additionally, symptoms such as high fever, nausea, and vomiting may develop, and surgical removal of the appendix may be required.
In daily life, one should maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating, reduce the intake of greasy and spicy foods, engage in regular physical exercise to enhance immune function, and maintain gastrointestinal health.
