Abdominal Pain on Lower Right Side

The lower right abdomen is defined as the area to the right of an invisible line drawn from the navel to the groin, according to the experts at abdopain.com. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact condition causing the pain because sometimes the pain is generalized from other areas. If pain exists in this region, a physician will first look at organs and potential conditions specific to the area.

The organs of the abdomen, in general, include the stomach, gallbladder, colon, liver, pancreas, and small intestine. Pain in this region could indicate an issue with one of these organs, but this is not necessarily the case. For this reason, persistent pain in the lower right side of the abdomen is should always be diagnosed by a physician.

Symptoms of Abdominal Pain on the Lower Right Side

Symptoms will vary according to the cause of the pain. However, sufferers will often complain about shooting pains or a persistent pain that worsens when pressure is applied. Irregularity and nausea are also common. In some cases, according to abdopain.com professionals, a fever may be present as well. Women may experience a change in their menstrual cycle or see an increase in vaginal discharge.

Pain in this area may be as simple as constipation. Appendicitis is another common cause of pain the lower right side of the abdomen. Other possible causes are aortic aneurism, kidney stones or infection, an intestinal obstruction, or viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). In women, pain in this region could indicate endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or an ectopic pregnancy.

Physicians base their diagnosis on several factors, according to physicians at medicinenet.com. First, they will look at the characteristic of the pain. For example, shooting pains will indicate specific conditions, and dull, persistent pain will be a sign of other issues.  The next step is the examination. The physician will look for hardness or distention in the region, pain that is worsened by touch, fever, and other observable symptoms. Lab tests and endoscopic tests will be used then to specify the exact cause of the pain. Exploratory surgery will be used if needed.

As is true for symptoms, treatment will vary with the cause of the pain. Treatments for a number of causes, such as surgery for appendicitis, endometriosis, and some ovarian cysts; diet modifications for diverticulitis, constipation, and bloating due to food sensitivities; and radiation or chemotherapy for cancers or lymphoma. Treatment will be determined by the physician, in cooperation with the patient once a diagnosis is found.