Pain on the right side of your belly can be caused by various reasons such as hernia, gas, appendicitis, kidney problems, issues in the reproductive system, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and indigestion. There are many organs in this area, including the appendix, parts of the intestines, the right ovary in girls, and the right urine duct. Different health problems can lead to discomfort in this part of the belly. Some issues are serious and require immediate medical attention, so it’s important to know the differences.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various reasons behind experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen.
What causes pain in the right lower quadrant?
Reasons for lower right abdominal pain may include:
- Appendicitis: When the appendix becomes inflamed, it can cause sudden and worsening pain in the lower right abdomen. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent the appendix from bursting.
- Kidney infection: Bacterial infection from the urinary tract can affect one or both kidneys, leading to discomfort in the lower abdomen or back.
- Kidney stones: Hard mineral buildups in the kidneys can cause severe pain when they move or pass into the urinary tract.
- Hernia: When part of the body pushes through the muscle or lining in the abdomen, it can result in pain or discomfort.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A common long-term condition that causes abdominal pain and digestive symptoms.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Serious digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease that lead to changes in bowel tissue and abdominal pain.
- Indigestion: Discomfort in the upper or lower abdomen after eating or drinking.
- Intestinal gas: When food is not fully broken down, gas can build up and cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Passing gas can provide relief.
These conditions may all contribute to lower right abdominal pain, and it’s essential to seek medical advice if experiencing persistent or severe symptoms.
Conditions that affect females
What can cause lower right abdominal pain in females:
- Menstrual cramps: These are pains that can occur before or during your period. They are felt in the lower abdomen as your uterus contracts to shed its lining.
- Endometriosis: A condition where cells from the uterus grow outside it, leading to severe period cramps that may need medical attention.
- Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on or in the ovary that may cause pain if they grow large or burst, requiring prompt treatment.
- Ectopic pregnancy: When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, it can cause abdominal pain and is a serious medical emergency if left untreated.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Often caused by bacterial infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, leading to lower abdominal pain.
- Ovarian torsion: When the ovary becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply and causing severe lower abdominal pain that requires surgery to fix.
Conditions that affect males
The following conditions can cause lower right abdominal pain in males:
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the small intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdomen. It is the most common type of hernia, and it is more likely to happen in males.
One of the main symptoms of an inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin area, between the thigh and lower abdomen, or in the scrotum for males. Aside from abdominal pain, the hernia can also get stuck or strangulated, which is a serious and life-threatening situation.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle twists around the cord that supplies it with blood. This can result in intense pain, swelling, and discomfort in the scrotum and lower abdomen. Emergency surgery is often necessary to fix this condition and restore blood flow to the testicle.
Treatment
If you have mild pain in your lower right abdomen, you can try some home remedies like resting and taking over-the-counter medications. Conditions like gas and indigestion may get better on their own without needing any treatment. If the pain doesn’t go away or is not too severe, you should see your regular doctor. They will check you out and may send you to a stomach specialist for more tests if necessary.
But if your pain is really bad, it’s important to go straight to the emergency room. This could be a sign of something serious like appendicitis, and it’s best to get it checked out right away.
When should I be worried about lower right-side pain in the abdomen?
If you have a pain in the lower right side of your belly, you might be worried about whether you should go to the emergency room.
Most of the time, lower right abdominal pain is not very serious. But, you should go to the doctor right away if you have sudden and severe pain in your belly or if you have any of these other symptoms:
- Chest feels pressured
- Pain in chest, jaw, neck, or arm
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Hard time swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Sweating a lot
- Fever
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Keeps feeling sick and throwing up
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Really tender when you touch your belly
- Belly is swollen in a strange way
- Stool is black or like tar
- No appetite for a while
- Losing weight without trying
If you have these symptoms with your belly pain, it’s important to seek medical help right away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lower right abdomen pain can have various causes, including appendicitis, kidney stones, and digestive issues. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe pain in this area to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing lower right abdomen pain effectively and promoting overall well-being.