Last updated on : 12 Aug, 2024
Read time : 10 min
Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can arise from various conditions affecting the organs within the abdomen. The pain can vary in location and intensity and can be accompanied by other symptoms. When you experience pain on the right side of your stomach, it falls under the category of right-side abdominal pain. This discomfort may indicate issues with organs such as the liver, gallbladder, appendix, or right kidney.
Now that we understand what pain on the right side of the abdomen may entail, let’s delve deeper into what causes it.
Pain on the right side of the abdomen may be caused by any of the following things.
Excess gas can lead to considerable discomfort and cramping in the right side of your stomach. This condition often arises after meals and can be exacerbated by certain foods that are difficult to digest. Symptoms may include bloating, increased burping, and a feeling of fullness.
Some things that can provide relief and promote digestion include:
IBS involves a group of symptoms that occur together. It is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms may occur without any visible signs of damage or disease in your digestive tract. Pain may be localised to the right side, particularly during episodes of diarrhoea or constipation.
Some options for managing IBS and its symptoms include:
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that develop in your gallbladder. They can cause sharp, cramp-like pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the back or left side. The pain may occur after eating fatty meals and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Management of gallstones depends on the associated symptoms
Read More – Symptoms of Gallstones
Appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix, typically begins with a vague pain around the belly button that migrates to the lower right abdomen. This pain intensifies over time and is often accompanied by fever, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can cause pain in the upper right abdomen along with symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and nausea. The pain may be dull and persistent. Symptoms of acute hepatitis can also include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, joint pain, dark urine, and light-coloured stools.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of hepatitis.
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas can lead to severe pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the right side. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and fever.
In women, menstrual cramps can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. This pain is often cyclical and can be accompanied by other symptoms like bloating and mood changes.
Menstrual pain can be managed by over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Kidney stones are hard objects made from chemicals in the urine. They can cause excruciating pain that may start in the lower back and radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Symptoms can include blood in urine, nausea, frequent urination, severe pain in the lower back, vomiting, fever and chills, or urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.
Thus, the causes of right-side abdominal pain can range from normal to serious conditions. Understanding the specific characteristics of the pain and accompanying symptoms is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action and treatment. It’s important to remember that these options can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause. Hence, if you experience severe, persistent pain or if your discomfort is accompanied by symptoms that cause you concern, a medical evaluation is essential.
Read More – Home Remedies for Gastric Problems
Diagnosing the cause of pain on the right side of the abdomen typically involves a comprehensive, step-by-step approach. It usually begins with a detailed medical history, followed by a thorough physical examination, and various imaging studies and laboratory tests. Each step is critical to effectively identify the underlying causes of right-side abdominal pain. Some of the key measures are outlined below:
A comprehensive medical history plays a vital role in diagnosing the cause of right-side abdominal pain. Your doctor will ask you about the nature of the pain and may enquire about when it started, how long it lasts, how severe it is, and whether there are any other symptoms like vomiting, fever, or nausea.
The doctor will also gather information about any previous issues related to your abdomen, any operations you have undergone, and any similar issues in your family. Having this knowledge allows the doctor to narrow down potential causes and provides direction for further examination.
The next step in diagnosis is a physical examination. During this, your doctor will feel your abdomen to locate any areas of tenderness, swelling, or stiffness. These could be signs of inflammation or irritation in one or more abdominal organs.
The doctor may check for symptoms like fever or jaundice which could provide additional insight into what might be causing your discomfort.
To get a better look at what’s happening inside your body, your doctor may order imaging tests. These tests can include:
Laboratory tests can also provide significant insights into what might be causing your abdominal pain. These tests typically include:
By gathering information from your medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, doctors can accurately diagnose the cause of right-side abdominal pain and develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Diagnosing the cause quickly is crucial, particularly for conditions like appendicitis or gallstones, which may require immediate intervention.
Read More – Symptoms of Hepatomegaly
Here are a few crucial tips for tackling abdominal pain:
Right-side abdominal pain can be owing to several factors. The remedy for this type of pain may vary from lifestyle and dietary modifications to medications and surgical interventions, all of which depend upon the specific diagnosis.
Grasping the nature of the pain and its accompanying symptoms is crucial for its effective management.
Read More – Home Remedies for Stomach Pain
In case you experience persistent or severe pain, seeking immediate medical attention is necessary to ensure suitable treatment. Bear in mind that many causes of right-side abdominal pain are manageable, and with proper care, you can experience relief and return to your regular activities. Remember, there’s always help available when you need it, and your health is paramount.
Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen can be due to various reasons, including appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, or pancreatitis.
If pain in the right side of the stomach persists for more than a few hours, intensifies, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it might be serious.
The liver, gallbladder, right kidney, and parts of the small and large intestine occupy the right side of the abdomen.
Yes, digestive problems like gas, constipation, and gastroenteritis can certainly cause pain on the right side of the abdomen.
Seek immediate medical attention if the causes of right-side abdominal pain include severe discomfort lasting more than a few hours, fever, vomiting or drastic changes in bowel movements.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
...View more
...View more
Subscribe
Claim your complimentary health and fitness tips subscription and stay updated on our newest promotions.
Download Truemeds
Manage your health with ease Download Truemeds today!Get easy access to medicine refills, health information, and more. With our app, you'll never have to wait in line again. Download now and start taking control of your health.
Contact Us
Our customer representative team is available 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm.
v3.3.8
Our Payment Partners