Chronic appendicitis is a rare condition that causes your appendix to be irritated for an extended period of time. Symptoms come in an on-and-off manner without ever getting worse. It often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are rarely as severe as the symptoms of acute appendicitis.
The appendix is a small organ in the lower right side of the abdomen about the size of a finger that does not serve a functional purpose.
Common symptoms of chronic appendicitis include:
With chronic appendicitis, the symptoms will be mild and will not last long. However, if you have persistent stomach pain that comes and goes, you should see a doctor to get tested for chronic appendicitis or a similar condition.
It’s thought that the causes of chronic appendicitis are the same as the causes of acute appendicitis. What is not known is why chronic appendicitis symptoms come and go without progressing into a more severe issue.
An infection causes chronic appendicitis. Often, an infection arises in the appendix due to an obstruction.
Common causes of chronic appendicitis include buildup of faecal matter in the large intestines, faecal deposits (also known as appendix stones) that can block the appendix, a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel syndrome, tumours in the area, parasitic infections, inflammation of the lymph nodes in other areas of the body, and even blunt force trauma to the abdomen around the area of the appendix.
The risk for chronic appendicitis may be higher if you have a digestive system disorder like colitis (inflammation of the colon) or inflammatory bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about how these disorders may affect your risk for chronic appendicitis.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and do a thorough physical examination if they suspect you may have chronic appendicitis. Because chronic appendicitis does not present as obviously as acute appendicitis often does, they will likely order an imaging test to get a better view of your appendix and if it’s inflamed or blocked. This will allow your provider to make a definitive diagnosis.
While chronic appendicitis does not cause the same immediate complications as acute appendicitis, having an inflamed organ due to a buildup of bacteria can be harmful. If chronic appendicitis is not recognized and treated, it may lead to whole-body infection or masses around the appendix.
Chronic appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics if the appendicitis is not at risk of bursting and your provider feels comfortable monitoring the situation. Many cases will likely eventually be treated with surgery to prevent eventual complications.
With treatment, the outlook for those with chronic appendicitis is positive. It’s essential to seek treatment if you are experiencing any persistent abdominal pain.