Lower Right Abdominal Pain: Common Causes & Treatment

Abdominal pain can result from various issues, some of which may not be a cause for concern. The lower abdominal region, situated below the belly button, is particularly susceptible to pain originating from multiple sources, including abdominal and pelvic organs. This can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the pain. Men and women have different reproductive organs in the pelvic region, which can also contribute to pain in this area.

Pain on the right abdomen can be caused by various health conditions, including hernias, appendicitis, kidney problems, or something as common as indigestion and gas. Lower abdominal pain on the right side can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain. Typically, such pain resolves on its own within a day or two. However, if the pain persists for more than two days, it should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Is lower Right Abdominal Pain Serious?

Lower right abdominal pain may not always be serious, but its severity or duration alone cannot confirm its seriousness. If the pain worsens progressively over time, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent possible complications. Chronic pain without a known cause should also be medically investigated and treated to prevent complications. 

Types of Pain

Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen may be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause. Acute conditions cause sudden pain that typically subsides over time, while chronic pain worsens progressively and persists for an extended period. Acute pain may also become progressively worse, often due to internal injury or infection.

What causes Lower Right Abdominal Pain?

Lower right abdominal pain is typically caused by one of the pelvic or lower abdominal organs. Some common causes of lower right abdominal pain on the right side include the following:

• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is an inflammatory condition of the appendix organ, which causes sudden pain in the lower right abdomen and worsens when attempting to move or breathe. 

• Kidney infection: A kidney infection in the right kidney (or both) or in the urinary tract can lead to pain in the right side of the abdomen. This pain may be felt on the sides or in the back of the abdomen and should be properly treated by a doctor. 

• Kidney stones: Kidney stones are the result of a buildup of minerals and salts, which can increase in size and cause pain when they move within the body. This pain may be experienced in the lower abdomen, on the sides, or in the back and can be quite intense. Prompt medical intervention is essential to resolve the issue and alleviate the pain. 

• Hernia: This is a condition in which a part or parts of the internal body push through the muscles and organs that hold them in place. Most hernias are commonly found in the stomach and cause bulging or swelling in a part of the abdomen. Pain may occur in the area of the hernia when lifting, laughing, coughing, or straining. 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a common long-term condition that affects the digestive system, causing bloating, changes in bowel movements, mucus in the stool, and abdominal pain. 

• Indigestion: Indigestion is a very common issue that can occur at any time, particularly after eating or drinking. Apart from abdominal pain, it may cause bloating, a feeling of unusual fullness, burping, nausea, a bitter taste in the mouth, and gas. It usually resolves on its own over time and can be effectively treated at home. 

Lower right abdominal pain can be gender-specific, as it may result from pelvic organs.

In Females 

• Menstrual cramps: Pain in lower right abdomen female is very common during menstruation or periods, which may start even before menstruation begins. This is the most common reason for pain in the lower right side in females. There can be nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and bloating, apart from the pain.
• Endometriosis: Cramps in the lower abdominal region may also be caused by a condition known as endometriosis, which is a chronic condition in which the uterine lining starts to grow outside of the uterus. This can lead to severe pain, especially during menstruation, intercourse, or when urinating or having bowel movements. Endometriosis may cause infertility if left untreated.
• Ovarian cyst: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sac-like growths on the ovary, which may disappear on their own or grow larger and rupture, leading to serious symptoms such as dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen. Ovarian cysts should be treated promptly; otherwise, they may lead to life-threatening complications.
• Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus, specifically in the fallopian tube. This can cause pain during urination or bowel movements, along with bleeding or vaginal discharge. If a person is expecting to be pregnant or experiences such symptoms, they should not be ignored, as it may lead to the rupture of the fallopian tubes.
• Ovarian torsion: Ovarian torsion may occur when the ovaries become twisted, cutting off blood supply to the ovaries, which can lead to severe abdominal pain. The symptoms may resolve if the ovary untwists on its own. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID may be caused by bacterial infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which are mostly contracted during unprotected intercourse. However, some bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, can occur spontaneously. PID causes symptoms of pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during urination. It can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

In Males

• Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia is one of the most common types of hernia, primarily observed in males. Pain in the lower right abdominal side in males can often be attributed to this condition, where a bulge can be noticed in the groyne area along with aching and burning. Inguinal hernias are typically treated with proper medical care.
• Testicular torsion: When the testicles become twisted around the spermatic cord, it can cut off the blood flow to the testicles, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling in the scrotum, fever, nausea, vomiting, and unusual redness or darkening of the scrotum. Prompt medical intervention may help treat testicular torsion successfully.

What treatment is available for Lower Right Abdominal Pain?

Lower right abdominal pain can be treated with pain-relieving medications, such as steroids or opioids. In cases of severe pain, intravenous medications may be administered at a doctor's clinic or in the hospital. For pain caused by appendicitis, kidney stones, or infections, the treating doctor may provide appropriate treatment through medications or, in the case of appendicitis, surgery.

Home Remedies 

Most often, lower right-side abdominal pain can be treated with over-the-counter medicines at home. Intestinal or menstrual cramps can be alleviated with rest and the application of warm compresses. In cases of indigestion and bowel movement problems, it's beneficial to give your digestive system some rest and stick to a light or liquid diet. Herbal teas can also help soothe the digestive system.

When lower right abdominal pain is an emergency?

Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen can be either a dull ache or a sharp pain, and it may resolve quickly or persist for 1-2 days. Most of the time, lower right abdominal pain may not be anything serious. However, if sudden severe pain in the lower abdominal region is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention should be sought:

• Fever
• Vomiting or bloody vomit
• Bloody or black stool
• Loss of appetite 
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Tightness in the chest
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Unusual weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Swelling or tenderness of the abdomen