Appendicitis represents an acute inflammation of appendix, which is a small pouch which is connected to the large intestine. The bacteria multiply in the appendix and cause pain and infection when the appendix is blocked (mostly due to stool, food debris or swollen lymph tissue). Otherwise, the appendix is likely to rupture causing severe difficulties in the abdominal cavity.
Early appendicitis symptoms can be subtle but tend to worsen quickly. Look for:
Appendicitis is triggered when the appendix becomes obstructed or irritated. Common causes include:
GastroDoxs in Cypress offers personalized and immediate care using advanced imaging (ultrasound and CT) and minimally invasive procedures by its board-certified specialists in appendicitis. You may or you may not require antibiotics to be treated at the onset or laparoscopiac surgery to treat severe manifestations but we will be there to assist you to go through the whole procedure of diagnosing, treating, and recovering. Wait- This does not mean that you must wait any longer to schedule your appointment or call us now and do it online to reserve your place in the hands of an expert in appendicitis management.
We've successfully treated more than 3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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 involves inflammation of the appendix, which is a small tube off the large intestine. It is frequently captured as the ICD-10 code of acute appendicitis and needs to be treated immediately to avoid complications.
Early symptoms normally include dull pain around the navel that shifts to sharp pain in the lower right abdomen. This pain may worsen with movement, sneezing, or coughing.
Yes. Although fever is typical, around 20% of people with appendicitis may not have any noticeable fever, especially in the early stages.
Yes. Appendicitis may also be associated with trapped gas and abdominal bloating, but the hallmark symptom remains intense, localized pain in the lower right abdomen.
It's uncommon, but possible. In some cases, pain originating in the lower right abdomen may radiate to the back as the inflammation spreads.
The pain typically begins as mild discomfort around the belly button and intensifies as it moves to the lower right abdomen. It often worsens with movement, coughing, or pressure on the area.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery:
Ultrasound may reveal a non-compressible, swollen appendix, fluid buildup, and hyperemia, helping to confirm the diagnosis without exposing the patient to radiation.
A CT scan is used in cases where ultrasound results are inconclusive or when a more detailed image is needed. It provides a clear view of the appendix and surrounding tissues to detect inflammation or perforation.
Yes. Our team at GastroDoxs in Cypress includes board-certified specialists offering expert diagnostic care, treatment, and follow-up for appendicitis, guiding patients from initial assessment through to full recovery.
