Is the right-side pain you’re experiencing appendicitis or something else? Discover the symptoms of appendicitis and other potential causes of abdominal pain.

Understanding Appendicitis: Symptoms and Causes

Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small pouch located at the junction of the small and large intestines, becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The most common symptom of appendicitis is a sudden, sharp pain that begins around the belly button and then shifts to the lower right abdomen, where the appendix is located. Other symptoms may include:

• Sudden onset of pain, often waking the person at night
• Pain that becomes increasingly sharper over a few hours
• Pain that precedes other symptoms like fever, nausea, and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Worsening of pain with movement, deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
• Increased pain when driving over a speed bump or experiencing other jarring motions

The exact cause of appendicitis is not always clear, but it is often due to an obstruction in the appendix, such as a buildup of mucus, a foreign object, or stool. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can also lead to inflammation of the appendix.

Diagnosing Appendicitis: Physical Examination and Tests

To diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will perform a physical examination, focusing on your abdominal symptoms. During the exam, the doctor may:

• Check for “rebound tenderness” in the lower right abdomen, where the appendix is located
• Observe if you unconsciously guard your lower right abdomen when someone tries to touch it
• Test for pain when you move your bent right knee to the left and right while lying down

If the doctor suspects appendicitis, they may order additional tests, such as blood tests or imaging scans, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of the abdominal pain.

Differentiating Appendicitis from Other Conditions

While appendicitis is a common cause of sudden, severe abdominal pain, it is not the only possible explanation. Some other potential causes of right-side pain and constipation include:

1. Constipation: Backed-up stool in the intestines can cause pain and discomfort, especially on the right side.
2. Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI can cause pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the right side.
3. Kidney stones: These small, hard deposits in the kidneys can cause severe, sudden pain that may be felt in the right side.
4. Diverticulitis: This condition, involving inflammation of small pouches in the colon, can cause right-sided abdominal pain and constipation.
5. Ovarian cysts or torsion: In women, cysts on the ovaries or a twisted ovary can cause right-sided pain.

Treating Appendicitis: Surgery and Antibiotics

The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the inflamed appendix. This is typically done as an emergency surgery to prevent the appendix from rupturing, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

In some cases, antibiotics may be used in conjunction with or instead of surgery, particularly if the appendicitis is caught early and the appendix has not yet ruptured. However, an appendectomy is still the most common and effective treatment for appendicitis.

Preventing Appendicitis and Seeking Medical Attention

There is no surefire way to prevent appendicitis, as the exact causes are not always clear. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help reduce the risk. If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as appendicitis requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant, along with other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Appendicitis is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you’re concerned about your symptoms.

Conclusion

Constipation with right-side pain can be a sign of appendicitis, but it can also be caused by a variety of other conditions. It’s important to pay attention to the specific symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain. With a proper diagnosis and prompt treatment, appendicitis and other underlying causes can be effectively managed.

Is It Appendicitis or Something Else?

Is It Appendicitis Pain or Something Else?

Most often, the pain you feel when you have appendicitis begins as a dull ache around your belly button that shifts to your lower right abdomen, where your appendix is located.

Additionally, appendicitis pain:

• Begins suddenly — it often wakes people up at night.
• Becomes significantly sharper in a matter of a few hours.
• Starts before other co-occurring symptoms, such as fever, nausea, and vomiting
• Is associated with loss of interest in eating.
• Worsens when you move around, breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze.
• Spikes when you drive over a speed bump or experience other jarring motions. (3)

To diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will perform a physical exam, which will investigate your abdominal symptoms more specifically.

If you have appendicitis, you will likely: (4)

• Hurt when someone applies and then quickly releases pressure in your lower right abdomen, a symptom called “rebound tenderness. ”
• Experience rebound tenderness in your lower right abdomen when someone applies and quickly releases pressure on the lower left side of your abdomen.
• Unconsciously guard your lower right abdomen when someone tries to touch it.
• Feel pain when someone applies resistance to your right knee as you try to lift that leg up while lying down on your back.
• Ache in your abdomen when you move your bent right knee to the left and right while lying down on your back.

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Ouch! What’s That Pain in My Side?

Maybe it started off small. Maybe it suddenly came out of nowhere. Whatever it is, you’re having pain in your side. But where did it come from? And should you be worried?

“Pain in your side or in your abdomen is a common complaint, and it’s a common reason for people to visit the emergency room,” explains Matthew Souder, MD, a general surgeon at Geisinger. 

But the cause of your pain can range from harmless to serious, and it’s not always easy to pin down. Here are a few things to look out for.

Common causes of side pain

To help narrow down what’s behind the pain, Dr. Souder suggests paying attention to a few specific factors.

“If you’re having pain in your side, keep track of it and see what aggravates it,” says Dr. Souder. “Does it hurt more when you stand or sit? When you breathe in or breathe out? Does it always hurt the same amount or is it off and on?” 

Having severe pain, fever, swelling and tenderness of the abdomen, bloody stools, yellowing of the skin or persistent nausea and vomiting are nothing to brush off, though. See a doctor immediately for any of these symptoms.

Some common causes include:

Gas and constipation

The most common reason for the pain in your side is what you ate or drank. Gas or constipation is usually the biggest false alarm when it comes to abdominal pain. Each can cause fairly strong pain, but they usually aren’t harmful. 

Gas and constipation pains can happen throughout your abdomen, and they can usually be identified by their inconsistency: it may come and go, and it will change depending on how you’re sitting or standing. The pain should subside within an hour or shortly after a bowel movement. 

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that affects the large intestine by causing spasms. You can feel this pain throughout your belly area, but most people notice it in their lower abdomen.

“Cases of IBS can range anywhere from mild to severe, and it often runs in families,” notes Dr. Souder. “Factors like food, stress and hormones can trigger IBS, causing symptoms like cramps, pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. ”

If you have IBS symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can diagnose whether you do have IBS and prescribe medication if necessary.

Stones

Stones aren’t just something you find outside — they may show up in your kidneys or your gallbladder, too.

Kidney stones are deposits of salt and minerals that can form and harden in your kidneys. Gallstones are deposits made from cholesterol and bile. Gallstone pain is usually felt on the right side, while kidney stones can be felt on either side.

“Kidney stones and gallstones can cause excruciating pain,” says Dr. Sounder. “You may pass kidney stones naturally, but in more severe cases, they may require surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have severe, radiating pain that lasts for more than a day.”

Appendicitis

Pain (especially on your right side) paired with fever, vomiting and loss of appetite could indicate appendicitis, which requires emergency medical attention.

“One of the most serious reasons for abdominal pain is appendicitis,” adds Dr. Souder. “Appendicitis, or an infection of the appendix, can be a life-threatening condition. It’s considered a medical emergency, and surgery is required to remove the appendix.”

Urinary tract infection

If your side pain is accompanied by painful urination and needing to use the bathroom often, it might be a urinary tract infection (UTI). This bacterial infection is extremely common, especially in women, and it’s best to see a doctor for treatment.

Muscle or joint injuries

Strained muscles, arthritis or spinal injuries can all cause pain that spreads from your back to your side. If your pain is muscular, a combination of rest and light stretching exercises could help. If nothing seems to help, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

Shingles

Did you have chickenpox as a kid? If so, side pain might be the first sign of a shingles infection. Despite the common myth, shingles affects people of all ages, causing intense pain on one side of the body and a blistering rash.  

Early detection can help reduce your pain and the length of the infection — let your primary care provider know as soon as you suspect shingles, even if a rash hasn’t formed yet.

When to see a doctor

Pinpointing the cause of your discomfort starts with paying attention to your body. Whether it’s something as simple as gas or more serious like appendicitis, sharing what you’ve noticed with your doctor can help them come up with the best treatment plan for you.

“If the pain is severe or interrupting your ability to go about your day, get medical attention,” says Dr. Souder. “Even if it isn’t anything dangerous, it’s still better to be sure.”

Next steps: 

What are the signs of a hernia?
Reasons you might be gassy
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Constipation pain – causes and treatment

Pain in constipation
Pain in constipation – causes and treatment | Phytomucil Norm
What to do with abdominal pain with constipation? What are the causes of pain with constipation in an adult, what prevention and treatment are needed – in the article. Phytomucil Norm – official site
Phytomucil Norm

Pain with constipation is one of the main symptoms, although they are not a criterion for determining the delay in defecation in general. Many patients associate the onset of pain with difficulty defecation.

Can the stomach hurt from constipation

Constipation (colostasis) is characterized by difficulty in defecation, low frequency of stools, insufficient bowel movements. Signs of constipation also include the absence of a bowel movement for two days or more, hard dry stools. Other signs may be observed – symptoms of general intoxication, excessive sweating, general poor health, headaches. Problems with bowel movements are often accompanied by pain in the abdomen, rectum and stomach. All this causes physical discomfort and may indicate the presence of serious diseases.

Why constipation hurts

As a result of impaired mobility, feces accumulate inside the intestines, which gradually provokes intoxication. The accumulated stool presses on the walls of the intestine, causing pain. In addition, with constipation, gas formation increases, the discharge of gases is disturbed. It also causes pain and discomfort. In some cases, pain can be felt not only in the lower abdomen, but also on the right, on the left, as well as in the region of the right hypochondrium and lower back.

Researchers note that the acute pain associated with constipation is more likely to result from spasms. So, Shulpekova draws attention to the fact that stool retention is accompanied by “pains of a spastic nature.” (Shulpekova Yu. O., 2007, p. 1165). Indeed, spasms of smooth muscles that occur in response to a mechanical stimulus in the form of dense feces and accumulated gases are felt by us as cramps, cramping pains. Localization of pain in this case can be completely different. It all depends on the specific section of the intestine that is affected at the moment, as well as when exposed to other factors earlier.

Causes of constipation pain

Defecation disorders occur for various reasons:

• Improper diet and sedentary lifestyle. Due to the imbalance of the diet and insufficient physical activity, motor skills are disturbed, an imbalance of microflora occurs. As a result, constipation appears.
• Abnormalities in the development of the colon – long colon and / or sigmoid colon.
• Diverticular disease of the colon.
• Diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. As a result of these diseases, physiological obstacles appear that impede the movement of feces.
• Diseases of the nervous system, endocrine and gynecological pathologies – inhibit metabolic processes in the body.
• Irritable bowel syndrome – discomfort during bowel movements, accompanied by a change in the consistency and / or frequency of the stool.
• Taking certain medications.

Constipation is often associated with antidepressants, antibiotics and other medications. Also, problems with bowel movements often occur during pregnancy, after childbirth and in the postoperative period.

Signs of intestinal stasis indicating serious pathology include blood in the stool, severe abdominal distention (tympanitis), weight loss, and vomiting.

Therefore, as we see, the causes of pain in constipation may be hidden in the causes of defecation disorders themselves. In the absence of organic and other pathologies, discomfort may be associated with tissue compression, stretching of the intestinal walls and their resistance to pressure, and irritation of receptors. Sometimes pain is accompanied by false urges to defecate and urges that did not bring the desired result. In most cases, pain can occur in the interval between urges, and in their absence.

Possible complications of constipation

Frequent constipation may be accompanied by heaviness in the abdomen and pain before, during or after a bowel movement. Such problems can lead to unpleasant consequences. The most frequent complications: +

• poisoning of the body;
• exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
• rectal fissures;
• cancer risk.

General intoxication due to stagnant feces can cause a deterioration in well-being, a decrease in working capacity. Violation of the intestinal microbial balance in chronic constipation leads to an exacerbation of allergic diseases, skin rashes, and a decrease in the body’s resistance to infections.

People with chronic constipation are known to have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Delayed bowel movements lead to impaired cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis, and consequently, cardiovascular diseases.

Diseases of the anorectal region often accompany constipation. This is due to the fact that dense fecal masses injure the mucous membranes of the rectum, which causes anal fissures. An increase in intra-abdominal pressure can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.

How pain manifests itself

Pain in constipation occurs due to the accumulation of stool in the large intestine. Dense feces stretch the intestinal walls, resulting in compression and disruption of other internal organs.

The discomfort associated with constipation varies. Pain can occur in the abdomen, sphincter area, lower back, groin. Soreness during the act of defecation often occurs due to the appearance of cracks in the anal area, the development of hemorrhoids, and inflammation of the rectum. Pain often appears during the urge to empty, as well as between them.

Sometimes the pain of constipation in adults comes on suddenly during a bowel movement. This is due to diseases of the digestive tract: pancreatitis, appendicitis, cholecystitis. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of constipation and pain. If bowel problems are permanent, it is best to undergo a complete medical examination.

Character pain

When constipation occurs, pain sensations differ in severity and localization. If the lower abdomen hurts, then most likely constipation is caused by dietary errors, insufficient water intake. As a rule, the pain is dull, stabbing, accompanied by colic and rumbling. In this case, discomfort disappears immediately after defecation.

Acute and aching pain with constipation that does not go away after a bowel movement may indicate pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The localization of pain depends on the cause of its occurrence. For example, in acute gastritis, the epigastric region hurts, heartburn and nausea are observed. For intestinal obstruction, the nature of pain in the left side, as well as fever. Chronic pancreatitis is accompanied by girdle or severe pain in the left or right hypochondrium.

Pain syndrome is often accompanied by loss of appetite, headache, heartburn, bad breath. In addition, with constipation, there is often a feeling of fullness, a feeling of a plug in the rectum. Hard stool damages the walls of the rectum and sphincter, hence causing pain that can persist long after a bowel movement.

Adnexal inflammation and other gynecological problems can also cause constipation. Problems with the intestines often occur against the background of kidney disease. In this case, the pain will be localized in the lumbar region, as well as in the lower abdomen.

Cramping pains resulting from spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestines, appear due to the accumulation of gases and intestinal colic. This greatly complicates the defecation process. With intestinal colic, the pain is pronounced and has an increasing character. With colic, tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, bloating and spasms are observed. This condition can last from several hours to several days. Colic is usually followed by persistent constipation or diarrhea.

Symptoms such as flatulence, bloating and constipation are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is manifested by pain and bloating, which are accompanied by a change in the consistency of the stool.

The severity of unpleasant symptoms depends on the cause of constipation. This state of affairs cannot be left to chance. The first thing to do when unpleasant symptoms appear is to visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. The doctor will conduct the necessary diagnostics, prescribe tests and examinations to identify factors that provoke problems with defecation.

How to deal with constipation pain

Pain can only be completely eliminated after the underlying cause of constipation has been eliminated. No need to try to drown out the pain with painkillers – analgesics only stop the symptoms. The pain syndrome will pass on its own after cleansing and restoring normal bowel function.

Treatment for pain associated with constipation

In the fight against pain associated with constipation will help:

• Nutrition aimed at increasing the amount of fiber consumed. Diet is the main treatment for functional constipation caused by decreased intestinal motility.
• Lifestyle change. It involves increased physical activity, regular physical activity.
• Withdrawal of constipating drugs.

It is important to understand that it is not worth canceling the medicines prescribed by the doctor on your own. For example, if you are taking iron supplements that cause you to have a bowel movement, changing your dosage or stopping it on your own could make your iron deficiency anemia worse. Consult your physician for advice on alternative medications or dosage adjustments. Particular care should be taken when taking hormonal drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics.

The main condition for getting rid of pain in the abdomen with constipation is the normalization of the stool. Symptomatic treatment in the form of taking painkillers and antispasmodics will not give a long-term result. In addition, it is worth remembering that in some cases constipation is associated with a weakening of intestinal motility – a change in the tone of its muscles. In this case, anti-spasm agents may exacerbate the underlying problem.

Foods high in fiber will help normalize stools. These include bran, white cabbage (fresh and sauerkraut), celery and other vegetables. Whole grains, such as bulgur and buckwheat, as well as nuts are rich in dietary fiber.

At the same time, it is better to avoid products that have a fixing effect. These include foods high in tannin: chocolate, black tea, red wine, white rice, etc. You should avoid pastries, sweets, bread and confectionery with cream – they increase gas formation and also provoke fermentation in the intestines.

Eat small meals, but often. Fractional nutrition 5-6 times a day will ensure a uniform supply of nutrients to the body, help to avoid stretching the walls of the stomach and intestines.

Medication should not be aimed at eliminating pain, but at its cause. Pain usually goes away with a bowel movement, so it is important to find the right way to quickly get rid of the problem. Laxatives can help with this. They are of several types:

• Osmotic, or saline, increase the volume of fluid in the intestines.
• Stimulants – act irritatingly on intestinal receptors, stimulating peristalsis.
• Volumetric – increase the volume of feces and change their consistency.
• Auxiliary – mechanically help the promotion of feces in the intestines (for example, oils).

There are also local preparations that irritate the mucous membranes of the rectum and soften the passage of feces. The use of cleansing enemas may also be appropriate, but often it is not recommended to resort to them due to possible violations of the local microflora.

Prevention of constipation pain

For the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to drink enough water – at least 1.5-2 liters per day. If constipation is associated with a reduced tone of the intestinal muscles and is accompanied by spasms, it is recommended to drink cold mineral water. One glass of water on an empty stomach and before each meal will improve the consistency of feces and facilitate their passage through the intestines.

Also, water is involved in the process of diffusion of gases – part of the gases is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, so the optimal drinking regimen is effective as a way to prevent flatulence, including those associated with constipation.

It is important to avoid overeating and sudden dietary changes. It is necessary to minimize stress, observe sleep patterns. The researchers argue that following a daily routine will help prevent constipation: you should get up and go to bed at about the same time, allocate enough time to go to the toilet in the morning, after breakfast. In no case is it recommended to restrain the urge to defecate, as this can lead to both constipation and a decrease in the sensitivity of the gut receptors to stretch.

Recommendations regarding the diet for existing constipation also apply to prevention: try to eat enough foods rich in fiber, make your diet from lean meats and fish, cereals, dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries.

Regular preventive visits to the doctor will help to exclude diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or detect them at an early stage. This is especially important if you are at risk for the development of disorders – you have an endocrine disease, pathologies of the digestive system, are limited in physical activity, etc.

You can prevent severe pain from constipation by observing your body: determine the optimal frequency of bowel movements, ideally, bowel movements should be every morning. If you hold a stool for at least one day, try to take immediate action if possible: increase the amount of fluid you drink, choose foods with a laxative effect.

Other methods of dealing with constipation

In most cases, pain disappears after the intestines are cleared of accumulated feces. But this is not always the case. If the pain persists and causes severe discomfort, you should visit a doctor. Only a specialist can determine what provokes pain.

Proper balanced nutrition is an excellent prevention of constipation. But this is not always enough to combat defecation disorders. To cope with constipation will help special means with a laxative effect. Among the safest preparations in terms of composition, Fitomucil Norm can be distinguished. It contains the pulp of the fruit of the house plum and the shell of the seeds of the psyllium. The drug provides regular and painless bowel movements, restores the normal frequency of stools. The remedy acts gently, does not cause bloating, sudden urge to defecate, does not provoke spasms and pain in the intestines. “Fitomucil Norm” helps to restore the microflora after constipation and is not addictive.

To improve the condition with severe constipation, you can use ready-made microclysters or glycerin suppositories. In some cases, it is advisable to use osmotic laxatives, drugs that soften the stool, as well as drugs to stimulate peristalsis. Any medications should be taken only in consultation with the doctor. The dosage is selected individually, taking into account the age and health of the patient.

Systematic exercise helps improve bowel function. For example, daily walking, swimming, cycling or gymnastics. There are exercises that improve intestinal motility, increase the tone of the abdominal muscles. In this case, the duration of training should be at least half an hour.

If you feel the urge to defecate, do not delay going to the toilet. Otherwise, compaction and stagnation of feces will occur, which will negatively affect the condition. If colostasis is accompanied by pain, general malaise, nausea and vomiting, rectal bleeding, or fever, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It is important to consult your doctor about constipation pain. There may be certain limitations, and only a specialist will tell you how to deal with the problem.

The article is for informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for the quality of services provided by third parties and for possible complications.

References

1. Norton J. Greenberger, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Last full review/revision May 2018 by Norton J. Greenberger, MD.
2. Pimanov S. I., Silivonchik N. N. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: Rome IV Consensus: A Manual for Physicians. – Vitebsk: VSMU, 2016.
3. Andreev D. N., Dicheva D. T. Optimization of the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: focus on improving compliance // Medical Council. – 2019. – No. 3. — pp. 118–124.
4. Makarenko EV Irritable bowel syndrome: dietary recommendations and principles of treatment // Bulletin of VSMU. – 2017. – T. 16, No. 6.
5. Shulpekova Yu.O. Algorithm for the treatment of constipation of various origins // Regular issues of BC. – 2007. – No. 15. – page 1165.

Norton J. Greenberger, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Last full review/revision May 2018 by Norton J. Greenberger, MD.
Pimanov S. I., Silivonchik N. N. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: Rome IV Consensus: A Manual for Physicians. — Vitebsk: VSMU, 2016.
Andreev D. N., Dicheva D. T. Optimization of treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: focus on improving compliance // Medical Council. – 2019. – No. 3. — pp. 118–124.
Makarenko EV Irritable bowel syndrome: dietary recommendations and principles of treatment // Bulletin of VSMU. – 2017. – T. 16, No. 6.
Shulpekova Yu.O. Algorithm for the treatment of constipation of various origins // Regular issues of BC. – 2007. – No. 15. – page 1165.

Why my right side hurts

This unpleasant symptom can manifest itself in different ways: pain on the right side in the side can be sharp, pulling, appear during active movement or at rest. Why is this happening and how to understand that it’s time to see a doctor? We tell together with GMS Clinic surgeon Bulat Yunusov.

Why can the right side hurt?

The causes of this symptom are usually associated with internal organs. “This is a sign that something on the right side of the abdomen is suffering,” says Bulat Yunusov, surgeon at GMS Clinics and Hospitals. “The cause of lesions of these organs can also be different, for example, inflammation, oncological processes, injuries, the consequences of previous operations, neurological disorders.”

However, this symptom may have other reasons. “An unpleasant sensation in the right side can be of a muscular nature, especially if it occurs after physical exertion. If a person has fallen on their right side, the pain may be associated with muscle contusion or injury, such as myositis. Gallstones can also cause an unpleasant tingling in the side. The stones close the ducts, which leads to swelling of the bladder and, as a result, to the occurrence of calculous cholecystitis, that is, an inflammatory process. All this, of course, is accompanied by pain, ”commented an invited specialist from another medical center. Consider the main causes of pain in the right side.

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Pain and pain in the right side can be caused by a whole “bouquet” of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. “These are, for example, appendicitis, diverticulitis, colitis, gastroenteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers,” says Bulat Yunusov.

Most often, with these diagnoses, the pain is felt as aching, moderate, with gradually increasing intensity. With appendicitis, pain may increase when walking, coughing, changing body position and decrease at rest. Also, with this diagnosis, there is an increase in temperature, nausea, vomiting.

With a stomach ulcer, the pain becomes more noticeable after eating fatty, spicy or fried foods, alcohol, as well as intense physical exertion. Additional symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

With colitis (inflammation of the intestines), the pain can be pulling or paroxysmal. The disease is also accompanied by diarrhea, fever, general weakness, headaches, and the presence of mucus in the feces.

With diverticulitis (protrusion of the intestinal walls), there is a sharp pain to the right of the navel, the temperature rises, diarrhea appears (with blood and mucus).

With gastroenteritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine), pain in the right side is accompanied by a lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, etc.

With pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), the pain begins suddenly and is constant and intense. Sometimes it can “give” to the left side or intensify after eating heavy, fatty or spicy foods.

Diseases of the urinary system

Often the side on the right side hurts due to the organs of the excretory system. “These include urolithiasis and pyelonephritis,” says Bulat Yunusov.

Pyelonephritis is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys, in which, in addition to pain in the right side, weakness, nausea, vomiting, “jumping” pulse, dry mouth, high temperature can also occur.

Pain in the side with urolithiasis can be constant or undulating, dull or acute, can only bother you at rest or increase when walking. It depends on the location of the stone, but sometimes pain can first be felt in the lumbar region (the so-called “renal colic”), and only then “settle” in the right side.

Diseases of the liver

“Pain in the right side can occur with damage to the liver and organs of the hepatobiliary system,” notes Bulat Yunusov. “Such diseases include cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, liver cysts, hepatitis, cirrhosis.” All these diagnoses are characterized by rather sharp pain in the right side, which can “radiate” to the right shoulder, neck or shoulder blade.

Often on the right side below it hurts in women due to malfunctions in the pelvic organs. “Such disorders in work include inflammatory diseases (salpingitis, salpingoophoritis) and non-inflammatory diseases (corpus luteum cyst, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy),” notes Bulat Yunusov.

With salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) and salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries), the pain is most often felt as pulling in the groin area, but it can also “give away” to the right or left side. Accompanied by fever, nausea, severe headache, vaginal discharge and aggravated during sexual intercourse.

With ovarian or corpus luteum cysts, pulling or stabbing pain is mainly localized in the lower abdomen or lower back, but can also be felt in the right side.

With endometriosis, the pain is most often acute, cramping, and may disappear and return. It is felt, as a rule, in the lower abdomen, in the left or right side (closer to the lower back).

Response to physical stress

Sometimes the right side hurts not at all due to malfunctions in the internal organs (which we discussed above). If you feel pain on the right during (or immediately after) physical activity, there is a chance that this is:

• Muscle spasm due to weakness of the musculature of the back or peritoneum.
• Spasm of the diaphragm. It is most often encountered while running: rapid breathing causes the diaphragm to contract faster, which can cause it to spasm and “give” pain in the right side.
• Increased liver function. This organ is considered the “blood” depot of the body. During training, the liver may increase slightly in volume and “press” on its outer capsule, where there are many nerve endings, which will be felt as pain in the right side. And such discomfort can also arise due to an improper diet: for example, if you “went over” with carbohydrates or fats before training. In this case, during the session, the liver will be forced to work with an increased load, which can also provoke pain.

How to determine why you have pain in your right side

Of course, you cannot make an accurate diagnosis on your own. However, you can get some idea about it, starting from how exactly your right side hurts. “In acute diseases, pain occurs suddenly, increasing in intensity in a short period of time (hours, sometimes days), Bulat Yunusov notes. “If the cause is some kind of chronic disease, then the pain syndrome is either permanent or undulating, without being very intense. ”

It is also important to check for additional symptoms. “In order to correctly determine the cause of pain in the right side, it is necessary to listen to the nature of this pain. For example, pain of a muscular nature, as a rule, is dull and aching, – commented the invited specialist. – However, muscle pain can also be acute, because in addition to the muscles in the right side there are intervertebral joints, which can be a source of discomfort. In cholelithiasis or acute cholecystitis, fever is added to the pain. This situation can be called “pain-plus” – pain and temperature. The discomfort caused by renal colic can also be “pain-plus”, but already pain plus frequent urination or the presence of blood in the urine. Pain caused by bowel problems – pain plus diarrhea.”

What to do if you have pain in your right side

As you can see, side pain can be a symptom of a variety of health problems. Therefore, you should not ignore it – be sure to see a doctor. “Not always the severity of the disease that caused the situation can be determined by the nature of the pain syndrome. This applies, first of all, to the elderly and patients suffering from diabetes – serious diseases of the abdominal cavity can be erased (the pain syndrome may not be expressed at all or disappear completely), says Bulat Yunusov. “Thus, if abdominal pain does not go away within a few hours and is accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stool disorders (constipation or diarrhea), discomfort when urinating, lowering blood pressure, then the only right decision is to consult a doctor in person.”

Can you take medicine if you have severe pain in your right side? Yes, but with caution. “You should not resort to taking analgesics on your own, as this can “lubricate” the clinical picture of the disease, which will lead to an untimely diagnosis,” says Bulat Yunusov. “The only thing is that it is possible to take antispasmodics (for example, no-shpy): these drugs relieve spasm of the muscles of internal organs and are aimed at eliminating the cause of the pain syndrome, while in inflammatory diseases they, as a rule, do not give an analgesic effect.