You may have probably heard your mum say this before: “Don’t run after eating! Later get appendix (appendicitis)!” Sometimes, the abdominal cramping after eating tends to happen often with a workout. It makes many people believe the saying is true. Does jumping after eating really cause appendicitis?

 

Anatomy

 

Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed, swollen, or infected, caused by various infections such as virus, or bacteria in the digestive tract. The appendix is a thin tube sitting near the junction of the small intestine and large intestine. The function of the appendix is unknown. Appendicitis may lead to the sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen. It is common to see both the acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis occur. Acute appendicitis requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can cause the appendix to rupture. This can be a serious and even fatal complication.

 

 

Symptoms

 

Abdominal pain: Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen. Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements.
 

Appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting. The patient will usually have a gradual onset of dull, cramping, or aching pain throughout the abdomen. He or she can lose the appetite and have a mild to moderate fever.
 

Some patients may also become constipated or develop severe diarrhoea.

 

 

Can jumping around or exercising after eating give you appendicitis? The straight answer is: No!

 

Food passes through the digestive system through mouth, oesophagus, stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine (colon), and rectum. The length of the small intestine can vary between about 10 feet (3 metres) to over 16 feet (5 metres). And the appendix sits near the junction of the small intestine and large intestine. Exercising immediately after eating will not be the cause of appendicitis as it takes longer time for food to move its way through the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

 

What causes appendicitis?

 

The obstruction of appendix lumen, often by stool, can cause appendicitis. The swollen lymph nodes around the appendix can also cause appendicitis.

 

Appendicitis may be caused by various infections such as virus, bacteria, or parasites, in your digestive tract.

 

How to diagnose the appendicitis?

 

Pain in the abdomen is the typical and important symptom of appendicitis. But not all people with mild abdominal pain are related to appendicitis. Please see a doctor if the symptom persists. Some common examinations include:

 

• Blood test: if there is an increase in the white blood cell count, it probably points to an infection.
• CT scan or ultrasound is used to identified the appendicitis.
• Doctor may conduct a physical exam by pressing down on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen to check for rebound tenderness.
• Urine test to exclude urinary tract infection.

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.