Some people have ever felt a sudden and uncomfortable pain in the belly. Sometimes, this is focused on a single region, which causes fear and anxiety by not knowing its possible origin. Next, we explain the leading causes of pain in the right part of the abdomen.
In general, abdominal discomfort has a wide variety of reasons. Most are associated with benign and temporary processes, while they alert to a more severe disorder in a few cases. In any situation, a professional assessment is crucial to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide timely treatment.
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Discomfort in the right part of the abdomen
The abdomen is a cavity that houses vital organs of the digestive, urinary, endocrine, exocrine, circulatory, and reproductive systems, according to a Stat Pearls publication. For examination, this cavity is divided by the body’s midline into a right hemiabdomen and a left hemiabdomen.
Pain on the right side is associated with disorders or diseases that compromise the organs and structures in this region. Such is the case of the liver, the gallbladder, the ascending colon, the right kidney, the appendix, and the cecum.
Likewise, some vascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal conditions can cause discomfort in this area. In addition, specific pathologies originate in parts distant from the right hemiabdomen but radiate or reflect pain at that level. Therefore, any discomfort in the abdomen should not be underestimated and requires timely medical attention.
For the evaluation of pain, the form of appearance, location, irradiation, and characteristics of the discomfort is taken into account, as well as the extenuating and triggering circumstances. These variables are instrumental for the doctor to orient himself on the possible compromised organ and achieve a proper diagnosis.
13 causes of pain in the right part of the abdomen
As already mentioned, abdominal discomfort can be caused by different conditions. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the triggers for this symptom range from gas accumulation to more complex diseases that require timely attention.
Let’s see the most common causes of pain in the right part of the abdomen.
1. Gases
The accumulation of gases in the digestive tract is the most common reason for this discomfort. Excess gas causes distension of the intestinal loops, thus triggering pain. A study at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona describes that gastrointestinal gas comes, in particular, from four sources.
- I ingested air or aerophagia.
- Intestinal production by chemical reactions.
- Production by intestinal microbiota.
- Diffusion from the blood.
The pain is usually located below the ribs on the right or left side. Most times, it is perceived in the form of cramps that appear after eating food. In addition, the person may feel discomfort in other abdominal regions. Other symptoms associated with the accumulation of gases are the following.
- Abdominal distension.
- Belching and flatulence.
- Nausea.
In general, changes in dietary habits are beneficial for relieving symptoms. In some instances, the doctor may prescribe analgesics to reduce pain.
2. Gallstones
The presence of gallstones, also called gallstones, is the most common gallbladder condition. According to a study by the Uruguayan Journal of Surgery, this pathology shows a high worldwide prevalence (10 to 15% of the adult population in developed countries).
Pain in the right part of the abdomen is a characteristic symptom of gallbladder lithiasis. A Stat Pearls publication describes gallbladder inflammation as intense cramping in waves, lasting 15 minutes, worsening with high-fat meals, and lessening with antispasmodic medications.
The discomfort begins in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and spreads to the back and right arm. Other associated symptoms are as follows.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Yellowish skin and mucosa.
- Fever.
- dark urine, pale stools
Medical treatment depends on the severity of the clinical picture. In the presence of uncomplicated colic, analgesics and spasmolytics, such as buscopan, are usually indicated. However, surgical resolution may be necessary if there are more severe symptoms.
3. Liver problems
Most liver diseases classically manifest with pain on the right side of the abdomen. The discomforts vary from tightness and heaviness to an intense stitch.
Inflammation of the liver or hepatitis is one of the most frequent conditions of this organ. Viruses, alcohol, toxins, drugs, and certain autoimmune diseases can cause this condition. In 2013, about 1.45 million people died from viral hepatitis, according to a Major Infectious Diseases publication.
In most cases, affected people start with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, malaise, itching, joint pain, and fatigue. Then, experts from the University of Illinois describe that the appearance of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, jaundice or yellow skin, dark urine, and white stools is possible. Other causes of liver discomfort are the following.
- Fatty liver.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Liver cancer.
A timely medical approach is crucial to alleviate the symptoms. Treatment of viral hepatitis is based on using antiviral drugs such as entecavir, lamivudine, and adefovir. By treating the condition, the symptoms disappear.
4. Gastroesophageal reflux
It is a digestive disorder in which stomach contents are returned to the esophagus. A Stat Pearls publication suggests a prevalence of around 20% in adults in Western culture. The most common symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation.
Heartburn manifests as a burning pain in the upper abdomen or behind the chest, which can radiate to the right side of the stomach and neck. This discomfort usually worsens with food intake and lying on your back. Other common manifestations are the following.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Sore throat when swallowing.
- Burps.
- Nausea and dizziness.
In certain people, cough, dysphonia, and hoarseness may also appear. A publication in the Revista de Gastroenterología de México describes that medical treatment is based on changes in life habits, such as avoiding cigarettes, losing weight, and reducing alcohol intake, as well as in the use of antacid drugs and proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole.
5. Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcers tend to focus their pain in the upper and right of the abdomen. It is a colic-like discomfort that comes and goes, but usually increases with the intake of copious, spicy, and rich seasoning foods.
This condition creates a lesion in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum, a product of bile acids and pepsin secretion. The most common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection and the indiscriminate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Stat Pearl’s practitioners note that pain generally occurs 15-30 minutes after a meal in gastric ulcer patients. On the other hand, duodenal ulcer pain tends to appear 2 to 3 hours after a meal.
6. Pancreatitis
The pancreas is located next to the duodenum, between the stomach and the spine. The liver, gallbladder, and part of the intestine surround it. Its location and anatomical relationship make it possible that, when getting sick, it can cause pain in the right amount of the abdomen.
Inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis is the most frequent pathology of this organ. Experts from the Allegheny Center for Digestive Health note that the two most common causes of acute pancreatitis in the United States are gallstones in 35-40% of cases, and alcohol use, in 30% of cases.
According to a study in Drugs, 80-95% of people with acute pancreatitis have diffuse or localized pain in the upper abdomen. Classically, this extends to both sides of the belly in a band and reaches the region between the scapulae. In addition, it is possible to present the following symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal distension and tenderness.
- Fever and respiratory distress.
- Tachycardia and hypotension.
The therapeutic plan is based on intravenous hydration and using analgesics to relieve pain. If suspected, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.
7. Kidney problems
Another cause for which pain in the right abdomen can be attributed is kidney problems. An example of this is kidney infection or pyelonephritis and kidney stones.
A Virtual Magazine of the Paraguayan Society of Internal Medicine study indicates that pain in the lumbar region is present in almost half of the people with pyelonephritis. This discomfort usually extends to the right or left hemiabdomen, depending on the affected kidney. In addition, other common manifestations are fever, burning on urination, lower back tenderness, and micturition urgency.
For its part, the classic clinical presentation of kidney stones is nephritic colic. This is characterized by intense pain in the lumbar region, which radiates to the lower right or left quadrant of the abdomen, the inguinal region, the thigh, and the scrotum or labia majora. It is usually more common at night and may accompany urination.
Treatment varies depending on the underlying kidney problem. In the case of pyelonephritis, it is based on using painkillers to relieve discomfort and antibiotics to fight the infection. Kidney stones require management with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and, in severe cases, may require surgical resolution.
8. Appendicitis
The appendix is an organ of lymphatic tissue attached to the cecum, the first portion of the large intestine. Inflammation of the appendix or appendicitis is common in children and young adults. This is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in the pediatric population.
The first and foremost clinical manifestation of acute appendicitis is abdominal pain. At first, it is diffuse, colic type, located at the periumbilical level (around the navel).
Then, the pain migrates to the right side of the abdomen, with greater intensity in the lower quadrant, according to a study in the journal Pediatría (Asunción). In addition, it is common to find the following manifestations.
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tenderness on palpation of the abdomen.
The therapeutic conduct is, above all, surgical; since it is necessary to remove the appendix to avoid complications. In the same way, the doctor can indicate some medications to reduce the symptoms, such as analgesics, antipyretics, and antiemetics.
9. Intestinal obstruction
It is the arrest of regular intestinal transit due to a mechanical or functional alteration. This condition can occur at the level of the small intestine or the large intestine. The main culprits are abdominal adhesions, cancer, and hernias.
A American Family Physician magazine study describes that the most frequent symptoms are colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension, as well as the absence of flatulence and bowel movements. The discomfort can be felt throughout the abdomen or localized to specific regions, such as the right or left core.
If you suspect an intestinal obstruction, it is essential to consult a health professional. This condition requires emergency surgical correction to avoid immediate complications and sequelae.
10. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
It encompasses disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. According to a Mother To Baby publication, the most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Common signs and symptoms are as follows.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever and fatigue.
- abdominal cramps
- Blood in the stool.
- Decreased appetite
- Unintentional weight loss.
Despite being a disease feared by many people, it has effective medical treatment. Similarly, changes in diet and daily habits are necessary to improve quality of life.
11. Diverticulitis
Diverticula are tiny sacs that protrude (move, stick out) outside the walls of the large intestine. Diverticular inflammation or diverticulitis is a common disease in adults over 60.
The discomfort is usually located in the left hemiabdomen. However, it is known that people of Asian descent have pain, especially in the right side of the abdomen. In addition, the following symptoms can be found.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and dizziness.
- Fever.
Depending on the patient’s condition, medical treatment can be outpatient or require hospitalization. In general, the therapeutic plan is based on rest, fluid administration, pain control, and antibiotics.
12. Gynecological problems
Generally, conditions of the female reproductive system usually reflect pain in the lower abdomen. In the same way, the discomfort can radiate to the right or left side of the core. In this sense, the following diseases are included.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Endometriosis.
- Ovarian torsion.
- Ovarian cyst.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
The clinical manifestations vary according to the associated pathology. The gynecologist is trained to achieve a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Some symptoms that increase the suspicion of gynecological problems are as follows.
- Alterations in the duration of the menstrual cycle.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Absence of menstruation.
- Tenderness when palpating the lower abdomen.
13. Hernias
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of the viscera through the abdominal wall. The characteristic symptom is the appearance of a rounded, smooth, mobile, and painful lump or swelling in the abdomen. They can generally appear in the midline, the navel, on the sides of the rectus abdominis, in the lower abdomen, and the groin.
According to a study in Nursing magazine, an indirect inguinal hernia is the most common in men and women. This can protrude and cause pain on the right or left of the abdomen, above the pubis or iliac bones.
Manual reduction and surgical resolution are the methods used to alleviate the symptoms. In the same way, analgesic medications and NSAIDs can be indicated to reduce discomfort.
When to seek medical attention?
Professional attention should be sought in the event of persistent abdominal pain that increases in intensity. In the same way, do not hesitate to consult your family doctor if you present the following alarm symptoms.
- Drowsiness.
- Loss of consciousness.
- High fever and chills.
- Abnormal bleeding.
- Respiratory distress.
- Tachycardia and hypotension.
A symptom with multiple causes
As you can see, there are a large number of conditions that can cause pain in the right part of the abdomen.
A large number of cases are attributed to gas accumulation from indigestion. However, this symptom may indicate a more severe condition, such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, or appendicitis. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult your trusted doctor in case of any doubt.