24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If the pain started near your belly button and is moving to the lower right side — especially with nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite — do not wait to see if it passes. Appendicitis can worsen over hours, and delay can raise the risk of rupture.
Go to the ER right away if abdominal pain is:
These are the warning signs most associated with possible appendicitis or another urgent abdominal emergency.
Kids do not always show the classic appendicitis pattern.
Bring your child in now if belly pain is worsening, especially with vomiting, fever, swelling, loss of appetite, or pain that makes them move carefully or resist movement. Children may not always have the usual “textbook” symptoms, which is one reason persistent abdominal pain should not be brushed off.
What appendicitis actually is
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, usually after the appendix becomes blocked. That blockage can lead to swelling, infection, and pus. If not treated quickly, the appendix can rupture and spread infection inside the abdomen.
Common symptoms of appendicitis
The most common symptom is abdominal pain that may begin near the belly button and then move lower and to the right. The pain often gets worse over time and may worsen with movement, coughing, or deep breaths. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or trouble passing gas.
Not every right-sided stomach pain is appendicitis
This is important. Not all lower abdominal pain is appendicitis. Doctors also have to rule out other urgent problems, including urinary issues, kidney stones, and in some patients, gynecologic causes of pain. That is why proper evaluation matters — especially when symptoms are severe or escalating.
ER or urgent care?
If the pain is severe, worsening, or paired with fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, or right-sided tenderness, this is ER territory — not a wait-and-see urgent care problem. National guidance is direct on this point: if you think you or your child may have appendicitis, go to the emergency room right away.
How appendicitis is diagnosed
Appendicitis is usually evaluated with a history, a focused abdominal exam, lab testing, and imaging when needed. Common tests include blood work, urinalysis, and imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or X-ray to help confirm appendicitis or identify another cause of the pain.
What Post Oak ER can do for suspected appendicitis
At Post Oak ER, we can evaluate severe abdominal pain quickly with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, labs, IV treatment, and board-certified ER physicians. For adults and children, that means faster answers and faster emergency decision-making when appendicitis is on the table.
What treatment usually involves
Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix. Antibiotics may be given before surgery, and in selected mild cases antibiotics alone may be considered, but surgery remains the standard treatment in most cases. If the appendix has burst, treatment may also involve drainage of an abscess or more urgent abdominal surgery because peritonitis can be life-threatening.
If this feels like the kind of abdominal pain you would regret ignoring, trust that instinct. Appendicitis can move fast. Early ER evaluation is what helps prevent rupture, widespread infection, and a more complicated recovery.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.