Lower right abdominal pain is often caused by issues like indigestion, gas, or serious medical conditions that need quick attention. In fact, there are numerous possible reasons for aches in your right abdominal area. Therefore, It’s important to know the different possible causes so you can decide if you need to see a doctor. This article will explain some of the most common causes of lower right abdominal pain and what symptoms to look out for.

Appendicitis

One of the main causes of lower right abdominal pain is appendicitis—this is when the appendix becomes inflamed. Usually, appendicitis starts as a dull pain around your belly button that then moves to the lower right side. The pain often gets sharper and more intense over time. You might also feel nauseous, throw up, lose your appetite, or have a fever.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If it’s not treated, the appendix can burst, leading to a serious infection called peritonitis. If you think you might have appendicitis, get medical help right away.

Kidney Stones or Infections

Another possible cause of lower right abdominal pain is a kidney stone or kidney infection. Kidney stones are hard deposits that can move through your urinary tract, causing sharp, cramping pain that can spread from your back to your lower abdomen. You might also feel nauseous, vomit, or see blood in your urine.

If you have a kidney infection, you might feel pain in your lower abdomen, have a fever, or experience frequent and painful urination. A kidney infection needs to be treated with antibiotics to avoid complications.

Ovarian Cysts or Torsion Can Cause Pain in Women

For women, lower right abdominal pain might be caused by ovarian issues. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. It can cause pain if it grows large or bursts. The pain might be sharp or dull and can come and go.

A more serious problem is ovarian torsion, which is when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. This can cut off the blood flow and cause sudden, severe pain on the lower right side. It often comes with nausea and vomiting. Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgery.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a long-term condition that can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. The pain is usually crampy and might get better after you pass gas or have a bowel movement. Other symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

Although IBS can be very uncomfortable, it isn’t life-threatening. It can often be managed with changes in diet, stress management, and sometimes medications.

Hernias Can Cause Lower Right Abdominal Pain

A hernia happens when an internal part pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. Inguinal hernias are a common type that can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. You might also notice a bulge in the area, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift something heavy.

Hernias can become dangerous if the tissue gets trapped, cutting off blood flow. This is called a strangulated hernia and requires emergency medical care.

Gas or Digestive Issues

Sometimes, the pain in your lower right abdomen is due to something simple like trapped gas or indigestion. Gas can build up in your intestines and cause sharp, cramping pains that come and go. Digestive problems like constipation or bloating can also cause discomfort in this area.

While gas pain is usually harmless, you should see a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away or if you also have other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or changes in your bowel habits.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that often affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, which is located in the lower right part of your abdomen. Crohn’s disease can cause chronic pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and tiredness.

Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition, and treatment usually involves medication to control the inflammation and manage symptoms.

Ectopic Pregnancy Can Cause Severe Pain in Women

In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause lower right abdominal pain. This is when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. The pain is usually severe and may come with vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or shoulder pain. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Lower right abdominal pain can be caused by many things, some of which are serious and need quick treatment. You should see a doctor if your pain is severe, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by symptoms such as:

Fever
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Blood in your urine or stool
Not being able to pass gas or have a bowel movement
Feeling dizzy or faint

Seeing a doctor can help find out what is causing the pain and make sure you get the right treatment.