Experiencing pain in the lower right area of the abdomen is a common occurrence for many people. This discomfort can be intense and unsettling, but it doesn’t always indicate a serious health issue. However, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical attention can help ease worries and guide you toward finding relief.
Learning more about the abdomen’s basic anatomy is helpful to better understand abdominal pain.
The abdomen is in the region located between your chest and your pelvis and is divided into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Each quadrant houses specific organs.
In the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, you will find the following:
When we talk about lower right quadrant pain, it’s typically discomfort that originates from issues with one or more of these organs. However, it’s worth noting that muscles and nerves in this area can also contribute to pain.
There are a number of causes for right side abdominal pain. Each factor can have its own set of symptoms and requires unique treatment approaches.
1. Appendicitis. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small tube-like organ attached to the large intestine. In addition to pain, symptoms include feeling unwell, appetite loss, and possibly fever.
2. Constipation. Constipation is the build-up of stool in the intestines that can cause discomfort and symptoms like infrequent bowel movements and hard, pellet-like stool.
3. Gas. Gas is a normal part of the digestive process. However, if gas accumulates and cannot pass through easily, it can lead to pain that is sharp, crampy, or even a dull ache.
4. Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is often caused by viruses (stomach flu) or bacteria (food poisoning) and leads to inflammation in your stomach and intestines. In addition to pain, diarrhea and sometimes vomiting can occur.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is common and typically causes crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
6. Diverticulitis. Small pouches in the colon, called diverticula, can become inflamed, which is known as diverticulitis. It typically causes pain in the left lower quadrant but can also occur on the right. Other symptoms accompanying diverticulitis can include a fever and changes in bowel habits.
7. Hernia. If part of the bowel pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, it can cause pain in the groin and abdomen.
8. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the gut lining. This inflammation leads to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
9. Colon cancer. While colon cancer more often causes discomfort on the left side, it’s important to note that it can also produce pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Additional symptoms may include changes in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss.
10. Kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Sometimes these stones can travel down the urinary tract and cause pain in different areas of the abdomen, back, and groin.
Diagnosing lower right abdominal pain depends on the suspected cause. Tests may include:
Treating lower right quadrant pain effectively depends on the underlying cause. For instance, constipation can often be managed by adjusting your diet, while appendicitis is treated with surgery.
Remember, self-diagnosis can be risky. Given the range of possible causes, it’s essential to consult with a doctor if you’re experiencing frequent or worsening symptoms.
Don’t ignore abdominal pain. Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist today to ensure your health and peace of mind.
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