US Medical Term · conditions
Appendicitis
Apendicitis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Appendicitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Apendicitis |
| Chinese (中文) | 闌尾炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 충수염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm ruột thừa |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Apendisite |
| Portuguese (Português) | Apendicite |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ไส้ติ่งอักเสบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 虫垂炎 |
What it means
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It typically causes pain that starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Appendicitis is a surgical emergency because a ruptured appendix can cause a life-threatening infection called peritonitis. Treatment is usually surgical removal of the appendix, called an appendectomy. In selected mild cases, antibiotics alone may be considered. Prompt evaluation in an emergency room is essential when appendicitis is suspected, as early treatment leads to better outcomes.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have severe pain in my lower right abdomen and think it may be appendicitis.
Tengo un dolor intenso en la parte inferior derecha del abdomen y creo que puede ser apendicitis.
How quickly do I need surgery for appendicitis?
¿Qué tan rápido necesito cirugía para la apendicitis?
What are the signs that my appendix may have ruptured?
¿Cuáles son las señales de que mi apéndice puede haberse roto?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
K35 Acute appendicitisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026