Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. When the appendix becomes blocked-often by stool, food debris, or swollen lymph tissue-bacteria multiply inside, causing pain and infection. If not treated quickly, the appendix can burst, leading to serious complications 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:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified appendicitis specialists combine advanced imaging (ultrasound & CT) with minimally invasive treatments to deliver prompt, personalized care. Whether you need antibiotics for early cases or laparoscopic/open surgery for more complex presentations, we're here to guide you through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Don't wait-book your appointment online or call us today to secure expert appendicitis care and peace of mind.
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 is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch off the large intestine. It's often recorded under the ICD-10 code for acute appendicitis and requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Early symptoms usually include a dull ache around the navel that shifts to a sharp pain in the lower right abdomen. The pain often worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
Yes. While fever is common, up to 20% of people with appendicitis may not develop a noticeable fever, especially in the early stages.
Yes. Trapped gas and abdominal bloating can accompany appendicitis, though the hallmark symptom is severe, localized pain in the lower right abdomen.
It's uncommon but possible. In some cases, the pain radiates from the lower right abdomen toward the back as inflammation spreads.
The pain typically begins as mild discomfort near the belly button, then intensifies and localizes in the lower right quadrant. Movement, coughing, or pressing on the area usually increases the pain.
Recovery time depends on the surgical approach: - Laparoscopic appendectomy: 1 to 3 weeks - Open appendectomy (after rupture): 4 to 6 weeks
An abdominal ultrasound can reveal a swollen, non-compressible appendix, surrounding fluid, and increased blood flow, helping confirm the diagnosis without radiation exposure.
A CT scan is used when ultrasound findings are inconclusive or when a more detailed view is needed. It provides clear imagery of the appendix and surrounding tissues to confirm inflammation or perforation.
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified specialists provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and post-operative care for appendicitis to guide you from evaluation through full recovery.
