From the Guidelines
For appendagitis, a diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins, with a focus on reducing inflammation and supporting gut health, is crucial for recovery. According to a recent study on rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome 1, eating legumes at least twice weekly and an egg once daily, making up 1/5 of the diet, can be beneficial. The study, published in Cell Host and Microbe in 2022, suggests consuming lean meats such as chicken or turkey, and making 1/3 of the diet consist of these foods, along with dairy products. Key components of the diet include:
- Eating legumes daily, combined with whole grains, and more often than foods of animal origin
- Incorporating lean meats like chicken or turkey into the diet
- Drinking plenty of water and clear broths to stay hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and processed items that can irritate the digestive system
- Considering anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, fatty fish, and olive oil to reduce inflammation, as suggested by general principles of reducing inflammation in the digestive system 1. It is essential to follow a healthcare provider's specific recommendations, as they may adjust dietary advice based on individual conditions. During acute episodes, a temporary liquid or soft diet may be necessary until symptoms improve, after which normal foods can be gradually reintroduced while monitoring for discomfort.
From the Research
Appendagitis Diet
There is no specific information available on the appendagitis diet in the provided studies.
Treatment and Management
- The treatment for appendagitis usually involves conservative management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- In some cases, operative intervention may be employed when symptoms persist or when complications arise 4.
- The condition is usually self-resolving and can be managed conservatively 4.
- For recurrent epiploic appendagitis, there is no consensual treatment algorithm, but conservative management and surgical excision are considered 5.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis can be made using computed tomography (CT) scans, which show characteristic signs such as a 2-3 cm fat-density ring, colon wall thickening, and nearby fluid or inflammation 3.
- Imaging procedures, such as CT or ultrasonography, enable conservative and successful outpatient management of the condition and avoid unnecessary surgical intervention 2.