Acute Appendicitis
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - K35
What is acute appendicitis?
Acute appendicitis is a condition that can cause inflammation or infection of the appendix, an organ located near the large intestine. It most commonly affects individuals between the second and third decades of life
In most cases, it causes moderate to severe pain and requires medical attention to avoid complications. In some situations, if left untreated, the worsening of symptoms can lead to death
Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis
Initially, abdominal pain is the most common symptom and usually begins near the navel. Over time, it may spread to other areas, such as the lower right side, near the appendix
Other common symptoms include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- low-grade fever
- abdominal bloating
- tenderness in the lower right abdominal region
In some cases, changes in bowel movements may occur, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Diagnosis
Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and additional tests to make a diagnosis
During the physical exam, the physician may perform a test called the Blumberg sign, which involves gently pressing on the lower right abdomen and quickly releasing. If there is intense pain, it may indicate acute appendicitis
In addition, other tests such as blood tests to detect signs of infection, abdominal ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) scans may be requested to confirm the diagnosis
Treatment
The standard treatment for acute appendicitis is the surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. It can be performed via laparoscopy (minimally invasive) or through conventional open surgery
In laparoscopic appendectomy, small incisions are made in the abdomen through which surgical instruments and a video camera are inserted. The surgeon guides the instruments to precisely remove the inflamed appendix. This procedure usually results in faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and a lower risk of complications
In open surgery, a larger incision is made in the abdomen to access the appendix. It is indicated in cases of advanced appendicitis, complications, or when laparoscopy is not feasible. After surgery, the patient may need a few days of hospitalization for monitoring and administration of antibiotics
Prevention
The exact cause of acute appendicitis is not fully understood, but some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it:
- balanced diet: eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent intestinal obstruction, one of the main causes of acute appendicitis
- personal hygiene: especially when handling food and after using the bathroom, helps reduce the risk of infections
- avoid constipation: drink plenty of water, consume fiber, and exercise regularly
- early treatment of infections: to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, or viruses to the appendix
- avoid self-medication: it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis
These measures do not guarantee complete prevention of acute appendicitis, as not all cases can be avoided. However, adopting healthy habits and seeking medical care contribute to overall good health.
References
DE MOURA GOUVEIA, Arley Daniel et al. Apendicite aguda: perfil epidemiológico no Brasil, de 2017 a 2021. Brazilian Journal of Development, v. 9, n. 3, p. 12182-12194, 2023.
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