Appendicitis symptoms start with belly pain that moves and intensifies in your lower right side. Without surgery, perforated appendicitis can lead to serious complications like peritonitis or sepsis.

Appendicitis progresses through four stages: simple (inflammation without complications), suppurative (inflammation with pus and ulcers), gangrenous (tissue death), and perforated (ruptured appendix).

That sudden pain in your abdomen might just be indigestion—or it could be something far more serious. When it comes to appendicitis, knowing the difference could save your life. This potentially ...