Drinking alcohol is often linked with causing various health problems, out of which, one is appendicitis. But ever thought about how alcohol can be the culprit behind appendicitis?
Indeed, heavy alcohol consumption results in various health disorders. These include stomach pain, cancer, and even sudden expiry. However, no study or medical evidence confirms that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to appendicitis directly.
But, yes, alcohol can indirectly lead to appendicitis. It can worsen the conditions by increasing the growth of microbes in your gut as well as making the stomach and immune system weak. Moreover, it can aggravate the situation by causing unbearable stomach pain.
But ever thought how? Then buckle down through the article, and learn how alcohol contributes to appendicitis.
What is Appendicitis? A Brief Introduction!
Appendicitis is a medical problem in which the appendix swells.
The appendix is a small, closed-end tube or finger connected to the cecum and is present on the lower right side of the abdomen.
In it, the inside of the tube gets blocked. As a result, the blood supply is reduced or completely blocked. It results in extreme pain due to pain and needs urgent medical care at times. However, if not treated, it can become sore and even burst.
Can Alcohol Cause Appendicitis?
Alcohol Consumption and appendicitis have no direct link. And, even after years of research in this respect, no unambiguous proof has been found of the direct link between alcohol and appendicitis.
We know that alcohol poses several harmful effects on the human body, including hepatitis, irritation of GI and mucous lining, rectum and colon cancer, et. All these effects are likely to exacerbate the onset of the process indirectly.
For example, heavy alcohol consumption increases the number of gut microbes. Moreover, it increases the chance of viral and bacterial infection in your digestive tract due to weak immunity.
So, in short, the effects of alcohol can collectively play their sub-roles in worsening appendicitis. However, alcohol alone can’t be the reason behind your appendicitis.
What Causes Appendicitis? The Possible Culprits To Consider!
With various factors playing a role at the back end, some of the main culprits are:
- Extreme constipation or dehydration results in hard stool. It ultimately blocks the opening of the inside of the appendix, causing inflammation.
- Infection in the digestive tract of the intestine due to increased gut microbes and potential pathogens.
- Intestinal worms due to consumption of improperly cooked food
- Enlargement of the lymph tissue
- Stomach ulcer
Can Drinking Alcohol Worsen The Symptoms Of Appendicitis?
Yes, drinking alcohol can worsen the condition of swollen appendicitis by many folds.
The reason is that where alcohol primarily affects and irritates the GI tract lining and causes infection in it, appendicitis is also caused by it. Due to infection in the GI tract, the amount of microbes is increased, which in turn results in blockage of the appendix as well as a high risk of developing infection there too.
In addition to it, drinking alcohol is also known to reduce one’s immunity by weakening the immune system. This can result in weakness, vomiting, and slowed healing process.
So, to cut it short, where alcohol isn’t directly counted among the causes of appendicitis, it surely plays a side role to consider.
Can Alcohol Cause The Appendix To Rupture?
Although alcohol doesn’t cause an appendix, it can increase the risk of appendix rupture by tearing the wall, a condition known as appendiceal perforation.
In appendicitis, the walls of the GI tract are already weakened.
So, when you drink wine, the tissue lining of the stomach gets further weakened. This results in a buildup of internal pressure and, thus, a high chance of appendix rupture.
Moreover, it can worsen symptoms like
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
How To Treat Appendicitis
Appendicitis is counted as one of the life-threatening diseases.
Therefore, there is no second thought that it needs immediate medical attention.
Most preferably, doctors prefer to go for an invasive procedure called an appendectomy.
Appendectomy is a surgical treatment in which the doctors remove the infected appendix, followed by cleaning the abdominal cavity in order to ensure that no further infection occurs. Indeed, It is considered the safest option to go for.
Moreover, here are some additional treatments that doctors can go for in addition to appendectomy:
- Drainage of access
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics alone (yes, in the case of acute appendicitis, they work really well)
- Laparoscopy
Can You Drink Alcohol After Appendectomy?
Drinking alcohol just a few hours after appendectomy is not considered safe. It can result in infection, irritation, and sometimes, extreme pain too.
So, doctors recommend patients keep from drinking alcohol for at least 1 to 2 days after appendectomy.
However, since drinking irritates and infects the sensitive mucosal and GI lining, it is good to avoid sipping alcohol for a few more days. It would offer a rapid healing process and less pain.
Other Risks Associated with Drinking Alcohol
Although Alcohol Consumption is not associated with appendicitis, it is harmful to health and is known to pose a number of risks to humans. These include:
- Risk of developing high blood pressure
- Liver diseases like hepatitis and fatty liver
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Colon and Rectum Cancer
- Memory disorders like dementia
- Weakened immune system
- Impaired cognitive function
- Mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Final Verdict
To cut it bluntly, NO, merely drinking alcohol can not lead to the onset of appendicitis. However, it can play a hidden role in aggravating the conditions that can lead to a swollen appendix. For example, it can easily infect and irritate the stomach lining, one of the major reasons behind appendicitis.
Moreover, if you are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, like extreme pain in the lower right side of your belly, seek immediate medical attention, and keep alcohol at bay.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
