Lower Right Abdominal Pain Symptoms

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Abdominal pain can be a result of various causes, some of which may not be a cause for concern. But severe pain that doesn’t subside on rest and medication can be a source of pain originating from multiple sources, including abdominal and pelvic organs. 

Pain on the right abdomen can be caused by various health conditions, including hernias, appendicitis, kidney problems, or something as common as indigestion and gas. The pain from gas or indigestion resolves on its own within a day or two. However, if the pain persists for more than two days, evaluation from a healthcare expert is mandatory.

Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain

Lower right abdominal pain is typically caused by the organs situated in the pelvic or lower abdominal area of the body. Some common causes of lower right abdominal pain on the right side include the following:

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is an inflammatory condition of the appendix organ, which causes sudden pain in the lower right abdomen and worsens on movement or sometimes even upon breathing.

Kidney infection: A kidney infection in the right kidney (or both) or in the urinary tract can cause  pain in the lower  right side of the abdomen. The pain may be felt on both sides of the abdomen and can also present as lower back pain.

Kidney stones: Kidney stones are hardened deposits that form over a period of time, which can increase in size and cause pain when they obstruct or move along the organ. This pain may be experienced in the lower abdomen, on the sides, or in the back and can be quite intense.

Hernia: This is a condition in which the tissue from the  internal body pushes through the weakened muscles that hold them in place. Most hernias are commonly found in the stomach and cause bulging or swelling in a part of the abdomen. Pain may be noticed in the area of the hernia in activities like lifting, laughing, coughing, or straining. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a common chronic condition that affects the overall digestion, process causing bloating, changes in bowel movements, mucus in the stool, and abdominal pain. 

Indigestion: Indigestion is a very common issue that can occur at any time, particularly after eating or drinking. Apart from abdominal pain, it may cause bloating, a feeling of unusual fullness, burping, nausea, a bitter taste in the mouth, and gas. It usually resolves on its own over time and can be effectively treated at home. 

Lower right abdominal pain can be gender-specific, as it may result from pelvic organs.

Common Causes in Females 

• Menstrual cramps.
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cyst
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Ovarian torsion
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Common Causes in Males

• Inguinal hernia
• Testicular torsion

Treatment for Right Side Abdominal Pain

Lower right abdominal pain may be managed with pain-relieving medications. If the pain becomes severe and doesn’t subside even on an intramuscular injection, it is mandatory to get medical help as soon as possible. office or hospital setting. If a certified healthcare professional diagnoses some underlying condition, like appendicitis, kidney stones, or infections, suitable treatment is suggested, which may be medical or a surgical intervention depending on the severity of the condition.

When to Consult a Doctor for Right Side Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen can be either present as a sharp pain or a dull intermittent pain. The pain may resolve quickly or persist for 1-2 days. Most of the time, lower right abdominal pain may not be anything serious. However, if sudden severe pain in the lower abdominal region is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention should be sought:

• Fever
• Dizziness
• Blood in the vomitting
• Dark-coloured stool
• Loss of appetite 
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Unusual weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Swelling or tenderness of the abdomen