The pain in the lower right abdomen can be anything from mild discomfort to an indication of a serious illness, such as appendicitis. This blog discusses common causes, important symptoms, and when to get medical attention. Understanding the source of your pain is the first step to proper treatment.
What is abdominal pain?
Any discomfort or pain felt anywhere between the chest and pelvis is referred to as abdominal pain. It’s a typical symptom that can vary from minor cramps to severe pain and can be caused by several illnesses that affect the abdominal organs.
How Does Abdominal Pain Occur?
When organs in or near the abdominal cavity become irritated, inflamed, blocked, or damaged, it causes abdominal pain. This can affect the
- Stomach
- Small or large intestines
- Gall bladder and liver
- Kidneys, Pancreas, and Appendix
- Reproductive organs in females
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
Proper treatment of abdominal pain requires an understanding of its underlying causes. Below are some of the most common conditions that cause discomfort in the abdomen, especially in the lower abdomen or lower right side.
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Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a tiny sac connected to the large intestine. It typically causes an abrupt, sharp pain that gets worse when you move, cough, or breathe deeply. If left untreated can cause appendix rupture, leading to medical attention. Immediate medical care is essential.
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Kidney Infection
Urinary tract infections can affect kidney functioning when bacteria from the urinary tract spread to one or both kidneys. While it can cause lower abdominal discomfort, the pain is more commonly felt in the lower back, side, or groin. It could be accompanied by frequent urination, nausea, and fever; quick antibiotic treatment is necessary.
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Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. Small stones may pass without symptoms, but larger stones can cause intense, sharp pain in the lower abdomen, side, or groin as they move through the urinary tract. Require immediate medical attention and care for quick management.
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Hernia
A hernia occurs when a tissue or organ pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall, usually in the abdomen. Particularly when coughing or exercising, it may result in localized pressure or pain. Surgery might be necessary in certain situations to avoid complications.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain, affecting up to 17–24%, is not life-threatening, but it can have a significant impact on quality of life and frequently requires long-term dietary and lifestyle changes.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The term Inflammatory Bowel Disease or “IBD” describes a collection of severe illnesses that cause persistent inflammation in the digestive tract, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions raise the risk of colorectal cancer and can cause weight loss, bloody stools, and severe abdominal pain. Medical supervision is essential.
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Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, frequently happens after eating and can result in burning, bloating, and upper or lower abdominal pain. Stress, certain foods, and gastrointestinal disorders like GERD or peptic ulcers can all cause it.
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Intestinal Gas
When food is not completely broken down until it reaches the colon, excessive gas buildup happens, and it can result in a knotted feeling, bloating, and cramping in the abdomen. Usually, passing gas or burping provides relief. But excessive gas can also be a sign of lactose intolerance, GERD, or IBS.
Abdominal Pain in Females: Common Conditions
Certain female-specific medical conditions can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. Identifying these can aid in prompt diagnosis and care.
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Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
Lower abdominal pain in women is frequently caused by menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. The lower abdomen frequently hurts on one or both sides when the uterus contracts to shed its lining,
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, usually on the lining of the pelvis, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It may result in infertility, pelvic pain, and severe menstrual cramps. Endometriosis should be evaluated if the period pain is severe or persistent.
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Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovary. Larger cysts or those that burst can cause dull or sharp lower abdominal pain, bloating, or pressure, but the majority of cysts are benign and painless. Rarely, internal bleeding from a ruptured cyst can require emergency care.
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Ectopic Pregnancy:
When a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and severe abdominal pain are possible side effects. An ectopic pregnancy rupture is a serious emergency that needs to be treated right away.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
PID is an infection of the female reproductive system that is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It causes fever, irregular vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and lower abdominal pain.
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Ovarian Torsion:
When an ovary twists around its supporting ligaments, it can cause ovarian torsion, which stops the blood flow. It causes sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain and requires emergency surgery to save the ovary.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain in Males
Lower abdominal pain is more male-specific and should be considered when evaluating lower abdominal pain.
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Inguinal Hernia:
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, usually into the groin or scrotum. It’s the most common type of hernia, especially in men, and it affects almost 1 in 10 men. You may see a bulge, feel pain when you lift, cough, or bend, and have complications like strangulation that could be life-threatening.
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Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which a testicle twists around the spermatic cord, cutting off its blood flow. It causes sudden, severe pain in the scrotum that can spread to the lower abdomen, swelling, and nausea. To save the testicle, surgery is often needed right away.
Diagnosis and Test
Your healthcare provider may recommend you for
- Physical examination
- Blood and urine tests
- Ultrasound or CT scan( based on Location)
- Pelvic exam (for women)
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy (for digestive causes)
When to see a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if
- A sudden and intense pain in the lower right abdomen
- Pain accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or fever.
- Blood in stool or urine.
- Unable to pass stool or gas.
- Lightheadedness, fainting, or internal bleeding symptoms.
Takeaway
Lower right abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from minor digestive problems to serious medical emergencies like appendicitis. Understanding the pain, associated symptoms, and your medical history is essential. Seek medical attention from your doctor immediately if the pain is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, dizziness, or abnormal discharge. The difference between effective treatment and recovery can be made by an early diagnosis.
FAQs
What causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen?
The most common causes are appendicitis, kidney stones, gas, ovarian cysts (in females), and hernias. Age, gender, and accompanying symptoms determine the exact cause.
When should I worry about lower right abdominal pain?
In cases of appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy, seek medical help if the pain is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, or unusual discharge.
Can gas cause lower right abdominal pain?
Yes, if the gas is trapped in the intestines can lead to cramping or sharp pain in any part of the abdomen, including the lower right side. It usually resolves as the gas passes or during bowel movements..
Is lower right abdominal pain always appendicitis?
No. While appendicitis is a common cause, other conditions such as constipation, kidney stones, ovarian cysts, or infections can also result in similar pain.
How is lower right abdominal pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes physical exams, blood and urine tests, imaging (ultrasound or CT scan), and, in some cases, pelvic exams or endoscopy to determine the cause.
