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Can Alcohol Cause Appendicitis?

In this article, we will consider an inflammatory condition of the appendix, an appendicitis. We will explore its causes, symptoms, treatment and we will investigate if there's a scientific link between appendicitis and alcohol consumption.

Frederika Malichová

Author - Frederika Malichová

Neuroscientist at the University Of Cambridge.

Frederika used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.
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Can Alcohol Cause Appendicitis?

While there is no direct evidence to suggest that alcohol consumption can cause appendicitis, excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health issues, including inflammation and infection in the body, which could potentially increase the risk of appendicitis. Regardless, it is always recommended to drink alcohol in moderation.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammatory condition, where the appendix (a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intensive) gets inflamed [1, 2]. Interestingly, the body can still function without an appendix and its function is still unknown [3, 4].

The inflammation typically occurs, when there is a blockage inside of the appendix. This blockage can be either a buildup of mucus, parasites or also a faecal matter [3, 4]. Such blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow and inflammation. If this is left untreated, the appendix can burst and spread infection into the abdomen and further cause peritonitis (an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdominal cavity and covering most of the abdominal organs) [2].

People with appendicitis typically experience pain in the right lower belly part, which can migrate around the area. Further, they suffer from reduced appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting [1]. Other symptoms might be:

  • swelling in the abdomen,
  • loss of appetite,
  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • the inability to pass gas [2]. However, not all of the patients have to experience these symptoms.

Appendicitis is one of the most common conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment of appendicitis is typically done by removing the appendix, a procedure called an appendectomy [2, 3, 4]. As mentioned previously, if it is left untreated, the appendix may rupture, release bacteria or other toxins into the abdominal cavity and potentially lead to life-threatening complications [3].

Can Appendicitis Be Caused By Excessive Drinking Of Alcohol?

Based on the available scientific literature, there is no direct evidence to suggest that excessive alcohol consumption can cause appendicitis.

The available scientific literature does not directly link or suggest that excessive alcohol use can cause appendicitis. Appendicitis is typically caused by a blockage in the appendix or bacterial or viral infections. Interestingly physical trauma has also been associated with appendicitis [5, 6, 7, 8, 9].

However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to abdominal emergencies like abdominal pain. In addition, excessive alcohol drinking can lead to pancreatitis or other serious health conditions [10, 11]. However, a direct link between appendicitis and alcohol consumption has not been established [12].

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Can Alcoholism Cause Appendicitis?

There has yet not been an established link which would suggest that alcoholism can cause appendicitis. However, alcoholism has been associated with other health conditions affecting mainly the pancreas and the liver [12, 13]. With those, it has been determined that it can cause liver disease and pancreatitis [13]. While these conditions are distinct from appendicitis, they do indicate that excessive alcohol consumption can have serious effects on the digestive system.

In conclusion, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest a direct link between alcoholism and the development of appendicitis and more research is needed to establish a definitive link.

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