How long you’ve got the option to have chronic appendicitis varies.
For some, it lasts months.
For others, years.
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Chronic appendicitis is uncommon.
Researchers believe it only accounts for between 1% and 1.5% of all cases of appendicitis.
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What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Appendicitis?
Chronicappendicitisis long-term inflammation of the appendix, the small pouch extending off the large intestine.
It is typically milder than acute or sudden-onset appendicitis.
People with chronic appendicitis usually have mild to moderate pain on the lower right side of the abdomen.
It may spread to the belly button and can feel dull or sharp.
Because of this, people dont always seek medical care.
Chronic vs.
Acute Appendicitis
Chronic appendicitis is different thanacute appendicitis, the more common pop in.
Acute appendicitis comes on suddenly and causes severe pain.
The condition typically develops over the course of 24 to 48 hours.
The pain gets worse when you move or take deep breaths.
Acute appendicitis often starts near the belly button and moves diagonally downward to the lower-right section of the abdomen.
Some people say the pain of acute appendicitis is different from anything else theyve ever felt.
What Causes Chronic Appendicitis?
Thecauseof chronic appendicitis is not well understood.
This is partly because the condition is so uncommon.
Misdiagnosis
Most healthcare providers know appendicitis as an acute condition.
If someone doesnt present with severe pain, they may not consider appendicitis as a possible diagnosis.
How is Chronic Appendicitis Treated?
They may also need to drain pus from the appendix.
This is called an appendectomy.
This can be done via a traditional incision orlaparoscopically, which uses three smaller incisions.
Most people feel better immediately after surgery, but follow your healthcare provider’s tips for recovery.
Most people need to take it easy for about a week after the procedure.
Complications
Left untreated, chronic appendicitis can have an impact on quality of life.
Prompt treatment can prevent many of these complications.
Summary
People with chronic appendicitis typically feel milder pain than those with acute appendicitis.
The pain may last for days at a time or it may come and go.
Like acute appendicitis, chronic appendicitis may progress to a ruptured appendix.
This is why it is important to seek medical care if you have symptoms of chronic appendicitis.
2021;13(11):e19718.
2021;13(11):e19718.
