Causes of Right Abdominal Pain

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Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 09 October, 2022

This has happened to all of us once: this sudden piercing and uncomfortable pain in the abdomen. Sometimes it happens on the right side, which is why it makes you a little more scared and anxious to ask what the reason behind it is. Today, we will explain the main possible causes of right abdominal pain for you to keep in mind.

Causes of Right Abdominal Pain

Almost everyone has suffered from right abdominal pain once, whether it is more or less frequent. But when this discomfort is located in a specific place and happens many times, we start to worry.

Especially if it is on the right side because this is where the liver is located. And so, it is a part of the body that always causes more fear. But before doing anything, you should stay calm and tell yourself that it can be due to many more causes, not only the liver. Let’s look at some of the common factors to keep in mind.

1. Gases

Stomach gases can cause right abdominal pain

Sometimes this is the most common cause of right abdominal pain. Thus, we tell you to keep calm because it can just be gas. Digestion doesn’t go right or you may even be suffering from constipation.

All of this causes the gas to accumulate and your abdomen to get bloated. It is common to tend to be sore especially in the area below the ribs and the most discomfort will probably happen on your right side too.

So the first thing is to know how to identify the kind of pain. Do you feel full? Is it a pain that tends to happen after meals or even in the morning? Is it occasional? If you have said yes to most of these questions , don’t worry, it is probably gas.

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2. Colon Problems

Colon may be causing your right abdominal pain

Diseases associated with the intestine tend to be the most common when talking about right abdominal pain. The first cause is almost always gas. If it’s not gas, then it’s probably inflammation in the intestine. What kind of diseases are associated with intestinal inflammation?

From colitis to irritable bowels, to the most serious diseases which is Crohn’s Disease. They all affect the area of the colon. In order to distinguish them from just gas, you will need to know if you have diarrhea or not.

If you have it, then you should watch out. All of these diseases begin with abdominal pain and diarrhea and it’s normal for people to also have pain in the upper part of the right abdomen.

But you shouldn’t be too worried, keep in mind that Crohn’s disease and colitis can be treated with medication to help control symptoms. It’s important to see a doctor.

3. Kidneys

The third cause of right abdominal pain is an infection associated with the kidneys. Kidney infections or stones, for example. With a kidney infection, you tend to suffer from severe and very intense abdominal pain that reaches your back as well. It’s very significant.

You also tend to have pain when urinating and it will be murky. Fever is also common. As you can see, the symptoms are very obvious. It may be lesser in the beginning, but normally the signs are very clear that they cannot be confused with just gas, for example.

They are painful diseases, but there is treatment. If you suffer from kidney stones, the symptoms will disappear quickly once the stones have passed.

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4. Pancreas

Pancreas pain may be your abdominal pain

The pancreas has the shape of a tear and is located next to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). It is between the stomach and the spine, surrounded by the liver and intestines, and is very close to the right side, which is why this is a possibility to keep in mind.

So, it is possible to suffer from a pancreas infection. The symptoms of a pancreas infection are similar to those of a gallbladder disease. You can have upper abdominal pain that goes from your stomach to your back.

In order to differentiate it from the above symptoms, focus on how you feel after eating. If you experience vomiting or nausea, you may be suffering from pancreatitis.

5. Ulcers

This is very common. Stomach ulcers can cause pain in any part of the abdomen, as you know, but peptic or abdominal ulcers present discomfort right on the right side of the abdomen. You should remember this. It is a pain that comes and goes, but it becomes more bothersome when you eat spicy food, for example.

We hope we have made what causes pain on your right side clear. But, keep in mind that the majority of the time, it is just gas. If the discomfort is continuous, piercing, and prevents you from living normally, see your doctor immediately.