December 16, 2023 Michelle Schmanski

Right-Sided Abdominal Pain: What Does It Mean?

The abdomen is packed with essential organs, and each organ has a special role in keeping you healthy. Because your abdomen houses a lot of important organs, feeling pain on the right side of your stomach can be worrying. Right-side abdominal pain can mean a number of things. Identifying why you might be feeling pain will help you get relief and understand your body’s warning signals indicating a deeper issue.

Paying close attention to your specific symptoms, type of pain, and its location is key for receiving prompt treatment to prevent complications. Most importantly, if your abdominal pain is severe, it’s smart to check in with your doctor to rule out urgent issues like appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, ulcers, or kidney stones.

Common Causes of Right-Side Abdominal Pain

1. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a condition where your appendix, a small organ located where your small and large intestines meet, becomes inflamed and requires immediate medical attention. Experiencing a sharp pain near your navel that shifts to your lower right abdomen might be a sign of appendicitis.

Appendicitis symptoms include:

• Sharp, persistent pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

2. Gallstones

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, an organ tucked away on your right side, just under your liver.

Gallstone symptoms include:

• Upper right abdominal pain that is sharp, cramping, nagging, or persistent
• Back pain that radiates to between the shoulder blades
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion after eating, particularly after fatty or greasy foods

While some gallstones can be managed, others might require surgical intervention, like a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). If you think you have a gallstone, prompt medical evaluation is essential.

3. Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers happen when sores develop on your stomach lining due to acid damage.

Stomach ulcer symptoms include:

• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Discomfort that improves or worsens with eating
• Dark or tarry stools, sometimes with blood

Treatment for stomach ulcers often involves medication to reduce acid and heal the ulcer, and in some cases, antibiotics if there’s an infection involved.

4. Constipation

If you’re feeling discomfort on your right side, it could be constipation. This common issue occurs when bowel movements become infrequent or stools become hard and difficult to pass.

Constipation symptoms include:

• Hard, lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• A sensation of incomplete evacuation or blockage

Constipation can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies, increased fiber intake, and staying hydrated. If the pain persists or is severe, especially after bowel movements, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to rule out a more serious condition.

5. Kidney Issues

Right-sided abdominal pain can be related to kidney stones or an infection. The pain often has a distinct character and is accompanied by other telltale signs.

Symptoms indicating a kidney issue:

• Sharp, severe pain, typically in the back or side
• Pain that comes and goes, often in waves
• Changes in urination, like frequency or color
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills, indicating a possible infection

Kidney stones may pass on their own, but some cases require medical intervention. Kidney infections need prompt treatment to prevent further complications.

Causes of Intermittent Pain

Sometimes, the pain in your abdomen comes and goes. While this intermittent pain may not be constant, it is still worth paying attention to. It could be a signal from your body about other underlying conditions, including:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS leads to various uncomfortable digestive symptoms, including cramping, bloating, and occasional pain.
2. Liver health. If there are issues with your liver, which is tucked away in the upper right part of your abdomen, it might cause fluctuating pain signals.
3. Women’s reproductive health. Women may experience recurring pain on the right side due to conditions like ovarian cysts or endometriosis.
4. Trapped gas. It’s easy to overlook, but trapped gas in your intestines can surprisingly cause sharp, short-lived pains.

Don’t Wait. Talk to Your Doctor Today!

Experiencing pain on your right side could be something minor, but it’s always better to talk to your doctor to be safe. Even if it’s not always there, recurring pain shouldn’t be ignored.

If you’re feeling pain, schedule an appointment. We can help you figure out what’s happening and get you back to feeling great.

Request Appointment

Related:

• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain: What’s Normal and When to See a Doctor
• Lower Right Abdominal Pain: What Does It Mean?