Chronic appendicitis corresponds to the slow and progressive inflammation of the appendix, which is a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen. This situation usually occurs due to the process of progressive blocking of the organ by feces inside the appendix, resulting in severe and recurrent abdomen pain, which may or may not be accompanied by nausea and fever.
Although chronic and acute appendicitis are characterized by inflammation of the appendix, they are different. The difference between chronic 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. Learn more about acute appendicitis.
Symptoms of chronic appendicitis
The symptoms of chronic appendicitis are only related to diffuse abdominal pain, but it can be stronger in the right region and below the abdomen, which persists for months and even years. In addition, severe and constant pain may or may not be accompanied by symptoms of acute appendicitis, such as nausea and fever. See what are the symptoms of appendicitis.
Chronic appendicitis is more common after 40 years of age due to dry stools and obstruction of the appendix. Therefore, it is important that routine examinations are performed, if there is a predisposition, so that chronic appendicitis is identified and treated.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of chronic appendicitis is difficult, as it usually does not generate other symptoms and pain and inflammation can decrease with the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, being easily confused with other diseases, such as gastroenteritis and diverticulitis, for example.
However, blood tests, endoscopy and abdominal computed tomography can help in the diagnosis of chronic appendicitis.
Treatment for chronic appendicitis
Treatment for chronic appendicitis is done according to the general practitioner's guidance, and the use of medications to relieve symptoms, such as pain relievers, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, in case infection is suspected, is usually indicated.
However, the most effective treatment for chronic appendicitis is the removal of the appendix by means of a surgical procedure, as this way it is possible to eliminate the symptoms altogether and prevent the recurrence of the disease and the rupture of the organ. Understand how surgery is done to remove the appendix.
