Do you feel constant lower right abdominal pain? Are you confused as to the cause or what to do? Well, here is all you need to know.
The lower right abdomen houses the colon and the right ovary for women. Several conditions may be the cause of either mild or severe discomfort. Nevertheless, the lower right abdominal pain is often nothing to worry about as it goes away within two days or more.
Sometimes, the pain could persist for two days or more. At such times, there is a need for proper diagnosis by a medical expert.
Common symptoms that need urgent medical attention
The following symptoms require emergency medical attention;
- Fever
- Discomfort or pain in the chest
- Persistent vomiting and nausea
- Bloody stools
- Jaundice (Yellow appearances on the skin)
- Abdominal swellings
- Excessive tenderness of the abdomen
These symptoms are clear indications that the situation need urgent care. If the person in context cannot self-transport oneself to the emergency room, someone healthier should because such symptoms ought not to be left to chance.
Common causes of lower abdominal pain
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is one of the commonest causes of pain on right side of the abdomen. The appendix is a small tube located at the meeting point between the small and large intestine. However, the appendix can become inflamed and result in appendicitis. Its other symptoms apart from right side abdominal pain are;
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Poor or loss of appetite
Appendicitis needs immediate medical care. Consult a doctor for the diagnosis of the condition. A serious condition based on the diagnosis can make the doctor suggest home treatment or staying back in the hospital for closer observation.
Appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix) is often recommended to remove the appendix before it causes further complications after rupturing. Self-medication is not the best in this condition because taking laxatives or enemas can burst the appendix. Simply obey the doctor’s treatment plan.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or indigestion arises after drinking or eating. Although there is more pain at the upper part of the abdomen, there is still much discomfort at the lower side of the abdomen. Its symptoms include;
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Burping
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Feeling sick
- Bitter tasting of food
Over-the-counter medications can treat mild indigestion. However, if the symptoms continue for more than ten days, seek medical assistance.
Intestinal gas
Every human has intestinal gas in their digestive tract. It only causes pain when there is no proper breakdown of food till it gets to the colon. The mathematics is simple – more undigested food equals to more production of gas which in turn causes more abdominal pain in the stomach.
Farting and burping give relief to the stomach. Basically, a man ought to average 20 times of gas expulsion in a day. Excess gas can be a symptom of severe health conditions like lactose intolerance or diabetes.
Causes of intestinal gas include;
- Overeating
- Smoking
- Chewing gum
Medical attention will be an important solution to this.
Kidney infection
Kidney infection is usually a result of bacteria effect from the ureter, bladder, and urethra. Any or both of the kidneys could be the victim(s) in this unfavorable condition. The major areas of discomfort are the groin, sides, and back.
Its other symptoms are;
- Fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Constant urination
- Vomiting
- Wanting to urinate after one just did
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Foul smell of urine
Kidney infection needs urgent treatment or there could be permanent damage to the kidney. See the doctor once the symptoms are evident.
Hernia
The Hernia is a condition that is common in the abdomen. The condition occurs when an internal organ or body part pushes through muscle or tissue which is in its place. There are various types of hernias and they all cause pain in the part of the body where they affect.
The common symptoms of a hernia are;
- Heightened pain
- Bulging or swelling at the site
- Pain while laughing, lifting, crying, straining, or coughing
- Feeling constipated or full
- A slight ache
Seek medical attention once there is an iota of pain on right side of the abdomen.
Kidney Stones
These are hard buildups of salts and minerals formed on the kidney. At first, there may not be any lower right abdominal pain until the stones begin to pass or move into the tube that links to the bladder from the kidney.
As the movement begins, there will be intense pain on right side and back, groin, and below the ribs. As the kidney stone moves around, the location of the pain may change position. The symptoms are;
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Painful urination
- Cloudy urine
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Chills and fevers
Other conditions that can cause lower right abdominal pain are irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative colitis.
Peculiar cases in women
There are special causes of lower right abdominal pain in women. These conditions need more urgent attention. Even though the focus may be right side abdominal pain, there could be pain on the left side too. Some of the cases are;
Dysmenorrhea
This is not a strange name; it is commonly known as menstrual cramps. Cramps are a common sign of menstruation. Most times, cramps come at the start and during the period. The pain is felt on any or both sides of the abdomen because that is where the contraction of the lining takes place.
Other common signs of dysmenorrhea include;
- Nausea
- Constant ache
- Pain at the thighs and lower back
- Headache
- Stools
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Ovarian Cysts
Cysts are sacs that contain fluid and are found in or on the ovary. It does not cause pain at its early stages but it can grow into a larger cyst with severe pain. If the larger ovarian cyst ruptures, it can result in further symptoms like;
- Bloating
- Sharp or dull lower abdomen pain
- Heavy or full abdominal feeling
These further symptoms could be deadly if accompanied by other symptoms like;
- Fever
- Instant yet severe abdominal pain
- Clammy and cold skin
- Vomiting
- Body weakness
- Rapid breathing
Once there are any of these signs, immediately consult medical help.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is different from cramps. The condition is severe yet non-cancerous. It is the growth of endometrial cells on the uterus. Endometriosis can cause;
- Urination during menstruation
- Pain before or after sex
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Heavy flow during periods
The situation is serious that it can lead to infertility. Hence, any suspect of the above symptoms is enough reason to consult medical attention.
Other possible conditions in women that could cause pain include ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease, and others.
Peculiar cases in men
On the other hand, some conditions may cause men to feel right-side abdominal pain (although it can be on the left side too). Such cases include;
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle twists and turns the spermatic cord. The twist reduced the flow of blood in those areas and cause scrotum swelling. The symptoms are;
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Painful urination
- Unbalanced testicle position
- Fever
Most times, the situation demands emergency surgery.
Inguinal hernia
This is a common type of hernia that is more common in men, unlike women. It happens when a little part of the intestine or fat protrudes through a part of the lower abdomen. Inguinal hernia causes a little bulge in the groin area between the lower abdomen and thigh. Its major symptoms are;
- Weakness
- Pain when coughing, straining, exercising, or lifting
- Enlarged or swollen scrotum
Conclusion
Health is wealth. No kind of lower right abdominal pain is good for the body. Always be quick to seek medical attention whenever there are changes of pain in the body. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are not good recommendations for abdominal pain. They can even worsen the situation.
