Duration of irritation of the appendix
If there is only irritation and no inflammation, it is a self-limiting process that usually lasts only a few days. On the first day, the symptoms slowly increase, which then last for some time and subside again. During the irritation there can always be improvement and worsening.
The course is very variable here. Besides acute irritation, there are also patients with chronic irritation of the appendix. These people have complaints several times a year, whereby these complaints can occur with varying duration and intensity.
In such a case, it is recommended to remove the appendix surgically in order to put an end to the suffering for good. If the symptoms of an acute irritation worsen within the first and second day to such an extent that very severe pain and pronounced nausea occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as inflammation is very likely. The length of time one is taken off sick in case of an appendicitis depends on the extent and duration of the symptoms.
After the examination, the doctor will assess for how many days the patient will be unable to work and, if necessary, will call the patient in for a check-up as soon as possible. If the symptoms persist or increase, in some cases hospitalisation may be necessary due to possible appendicitis. The duration of the sick leave then depends on how quickly and in what way the illness can be treated (for example, by surgery). Provided that no complications arise, an appendicitis will therefore require a sick leave of between two days and a week.
Therapy
In contrast to appendicitis, the administration of antibiotics is sufficient to prevent appendicitis. Since an appendicitis can turn into a life-threatening appendicitis if left untreated, a doctor should be consulted immediately if there is any suspicion. If only because an appendicitis is difficult to distinguish from an appendicitis due to the similarity of symptoms.
Sometimes an irritation disappears even without further therapy. Therapy with natural remedies should be avoided at the beginning, as it should first be clarified to what extent there is a risk of appendicitis or even an appendix rupture. However, if an inflammation is excluded and an irritation of the appendix is certainly present, the so-called salts can be used to support the healing process.
A doctor should be consulted in order to be able to differentiate between this and an inflammation, especially when an irritation first occurs. This doctor would also decide in case of irritation whether antibiotics are necessary. This depends above all on how pronounced the symptoms are, how likely further deterioration is and whether similar irritations have occurred more frequently in the past.
In the case of antibiotic therapy, the combination of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin is usually prescribed. As the appendix is not directly connected to the digestive tract, but only “hangs” on it, it is very difficult to counteract irritation with household remedies. However, a light diet is recommended, as constipation can be the cause of irritation.
Another possibility is to strengthen the immune system to counteract inflammation. It can also help to keep the body warm. Direct warming of the abdomen is not recommended, however, as this can support an inflammation.
Ultimately, however, household remedies play a supporting role at most. While coolness is more effective in relieving acute inflammatory pain in joints and muscles, warmth should be used for abdominal pain. A hot-water bottle or a cherry pit cushion can alleviate the pain of an appendicitis if necessary.
However, care must be taken that the skin does not become too hot, otherwise burns can quickly occur. Heat can also promote inflammation. However, if the pain remains constant or increases, a doctor should be consulted or alerted as soon as possible, as the irritation of the appendix can quickly turn into a life-threatening appendicitis.
Warming the abdomen as well as a relieving posture with your legs tightened can help you to survive the waiting time until the doctor arrives. As with household remedies, it is again important that a medical clarification is first carried out to rule out an inflammation. If there is no need for an operation, homeopathic remedies such as salts can be administered in addition to antibiotic or symptomatic therapy.
This must be clarified with the corresponding alternative practitioner who prescribes them. In the case of an irritation of the appendix, certain dietary requirements can be taken into account to prevent further irritation of the bowel and to allow it to recover. If possible, one should only eat easily digestible food such as pasta or rice without sauce or rusk.
Foods rich in fibre such as vegetables or salad as well as wholemeal products should be avoided as long as the symptoms persist. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids in the form of water or tea. However, if you have symptoms that could indicate an irritation of the appendix, you should always consult a doctor first. This doctor can assess whether the irritation of the appendix can be cured by eating a light diet or whether treatment with antibiotics is indicated. Similarly, if appendicitis is imminent, hospitalization and surgery may be necessary.
