Abdominal pain can be scary. Your abdomen holds many important organs that help your body digest food, filter waste, and stay healthy. When pain shows up on the right side of your belly, your body may be trying to tell you something important.
Right-sided abdominal pain can have many causes. Some are mild and go away on their own. Others need medical care right away. Paying attention to where the pain is, how it feels, and what other symptoms you have can help you understand what’s going on.
If your abdominal pain is severe, sudden, or getting worse, or if it comes with fever, vomiting, or trouble eating, it’s important to call your doctor. Some causes of right-sided abdominal pain, like appendicitis or kidney problems, should not be ignored.
The right side of your abdomen contains several key organs. These include your appendix, gallbladder, liver, intestines, and right kidney. Pain in this area can happen when one of these organs is irritated, blocked, infected, or inflamed.
Below are some of the most common causes of right-sided abdominal pain.
Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes swollen and inflamed. The appendix is a small tube-shaped organ located in the lower right part of your abdomen. This condition is a medical emergency.
Many people feel pain that:
If you think you may have appendicitis, seek medical care right away.
Gallstones are small, hard pieces that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder sits under your liver on the upper right side of your abdomen. Gallstones can block the flow of bile and cause pain.
Gallstone symptoms include:
Some gallstones cause mild symptoms, while others may need surgery. A doctor can help decide the best treatment.
A stomach ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach. Acid can irritate the stomach wall and cause pain that may be felt on the right side.
Stomach ulcer symptoms include:
Ulcers are often treated with medicine that lowers stomach acid and helps healing.
Constipation is a very common cause of right-sided abdominal pain. When stool becomes hard or difficult to pass, it can cause pressure and discomfort in the belly.
Signs of constipation include:
Drinking more water, eating fiber-rich foods, and staying active can often help. If constipation is painful or long-lasting, talk to your doctor.
Your right kidney sits toward the back of your abdomen. Kidney stones or kidney infections can cause sharp pain that may move from your back to your lower abdomen.
Symptoms of kidney-related right-sided abdominal pain include:
Kidney infections need prompt treatment. Kidney stones may pass on their own or need medical help.
Sometimes right-sided abdominal pain is not constant. Pain that comes and goes can still be a sign of an underlying issue.
Possible causes include:
Even if the pain isn’t always there, it’s still important to mention it to your doctor.
You should contact your doctor if you have:
Early care can prevent serious problems and help you feel better faster.
Right-sided abdominal pain may be mild, but it can also signal a serious health issue.
Listening to your body and getting medical advice can give you peace of mind and the right treatment.
If you’re experiencing ongoing or painful symptoms and live in the San Antonio area, schedule an appointment today. A medical provider can help find the cause and guide you toward relief.
If you have not registered for the new gPortal please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
The Patient Portal messages are only monitored during regular business hours. Please allow 24-72 hours to be contacted by a staff member.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) is a Professional Association owned by the physicians that practice within it. GCSA’s physicians are directly involved in the management of patient services. GCSA physicians have indirect ownership interest in our Histology/Pathology, Anesthesia, Infusion and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC).
