Chronic appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small organ located on the right side and under the abdomen that connects with the large intestine, which occurs slowly and progressively due to the process of blocking the organ, usually by stool, which is happening to the few.
Although chronic and acute appendicitis are characterized by inflammation of the appendix, they are different. The difference between chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis is that chronic appendicitis affects few people, has a slow rate of progression and symptoms are milder and acute appendicitis is very common, has a rapid rate of progression and symptoms are intense.
Chronic appendicitis is cured when the appendix is removed through surgery.
Symptoms of chronic appendicitis
The symptoms of chronic appendicitis are only related to diffuse abdominal pain, but it may be stronger in the right and lower abdomen, which persists for months and even years.
This type of appendicitis is more common after 40 years of age due to dry stools and does not generate the classic symptoms of acute appendicitis, such as severe pain on the right side and below the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and fever between 37.5-38ºC.
Diagnosis of chronic appendicitis
The diagnosis of chronic appendicitis is difficult because it does not generate other symptoms and the pain and inflammation can decrease with the ingestion of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, being easily confused with other diseases, such as gastroenteritis and diverticulitis, for example.
However, blood testing, endoscopy, and abdominal computed tomography may help in the diagnosis of chronic appendicitis.
Treatment for chronic appendicitis
The treatment for chronic appendicitis is made with painkillers, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics indicated by the doctor to improve symptoms.
In any case, surgery for chronic appendicitis is the most effective treatment, because with the removal of the appendix the symptoms end, it avoids the recurrence of the disease and the risk of organ rupture.
Useful links:
- Acute appendicitis
- Symptoms of appendicitis
- Surgery for appendicitis
