Appendicitis occurs when the appendix-a small pouch attached to your large intestine-becomes inflamed or infected. This inflammation causes sharp pain in the abdomen, usually on the lower right side. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture and lead to serious infections.
Symptoms can start subtly and then worsen. Common signs include:
In children, appendicitis may present differently. Look for:
While the exact trigger isn't always clear, appendicitis often results from:
Appendicitis can progress rapidly-early intervention is critical. At GastroDoxs in Houston, our team offers fast evaluation, expert diagnosis, and seamless coordination with top surgeons to get you the care you need. Don't wait: call us now or book online to secure your appointment and start your journey to a safe, swift recovery.
We've successfully treated more than 3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Appendicitis pain often begins as a dull ache around the belly button and then shifts to a sharp, localized pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Patients describe appendicitis pain as sharp and steady. It typically worsens with movement, coughing, sneezing, or when you press and release the area.
Appendicitis progresses through four stages: 1. Inflammation and swelling of the appendix 2. Pus formation within the appendix 3. Tissue death (gangrene) of the appendix wall 4. Perforation or burst of the appendix, which can lead to a serious abdominal infection
No specific food directly causes appendicitis. However, a diet low in fiber can contribute to stool blockage in the appendix, increasing your risk over time.
The ICD-10 code for acute appendicitis without rupture is K35. For appendicitis with rupture (perforation), the code is K35.2.
Children may show unique symptoms, including:
Sudden belly pain or irritability
Refusal to eat
Guarding or protecting the right side of the abdomen
Lying still to avoid jarring pain
Fever and repeated vomiting
While you can't diagnose appendicitis at home, a "rebound tenderness" test can be a warning sign: gently press the lower right abdomen and then quickly release. Increased pain upon release warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Without treatment, appendicitis symptoms often worsen over 24-48 hours and can lead to rupture. Most patients undergo surgery within a day or two of symptom onset to prevent complications.
Seek urgent care if you experience persistent abdominal pain-especially in the lower right quadrant-accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Call GastroDoxs for same-day evaluation.
GastroDoxs offers fast, pediatric-friendly appointments, advanced imaging and lab work, partnerships with leading surgeons for laparoscopic removal, and clear post-op recovery plans to get you back on your feet quickly.
