Right Side Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry

Quick Summary: Pain on the right side of the abdomen is a common reason to see a doctor. It is often caused by gas or an upset stomach, but it can also be a sign of serious problems like appendicitis, gallstones, or kidney infections. Knowing whether the pain is in the upper or lower part of your abdomen can help find the cause.

Few symptoms are as confusing—or potentially as serious—as a sharp twinge or a dull ache in your right side. Because your abdomen houses multiple organ systems, the "source" of the pain depends entirely on its location and intensity. At Volusia Medical Center, we focus on rapid diagnostics to help you find out if your pain is just a minor digestive issue or a serious medical emergency that needs urgent care.

What is Right Side Abdominal Pain?

Right-sided abdominal pain means you feel discomfort on the right side of your belly. Important organs like the liver, gallbladder, appendix, right kidney, and parts of the small and large intestines are found here. These organs help with digestion and cleaning your blood. Because of this, it's important to see a doctor to check for any serious problems that might need surgery.

The "Red Alert": When to Seek Emergency Care

Before diving into the causes, it is vital to recognize when "discomfort" becomes an "emergency." Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you experience:

• Severe pain in the lower right side that makes it hard to walk or stand up straight.

• Rigid or board-like abdomen that is extremely tender to the touch.

• Persistent vomiting or the inability to pass gas.

• High fever (over 101°F) or signs of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

What Causes Right Side Abdominal Pain?

The right side of your abdomen houses several vital organs, including the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, and appendix. At Volusia Medical Center, our diagnostic team divides the right side into two sections to narrow down the cause.

Common Causes of Upper Right Abdominal Pain

Pain in the upper right quadrant (URQ) often comes from problems with the liver, gallbladder, or kidneys.

• Gallstones & Cholecystitis: These are common reasons for sharp, sudden pain under your right ribs. The pain often starts after eating a fatty meal and can spread to your right shoulder.

• Liver Conditions: Hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or liver abscesses can cause a persistent, dull ache or a feeling of "fullness" in the upper right side.

• Kidney Stones or Infection: The kidneys are located more toward your back, but pain from kidney stones or infection can move around to the front and side. This pain often feels very strong and sharp, coming in waves.

• Pneumonia: An infection in the lower part of the right lung can sometimes irritate the diaphragm, leading to pain in the upper abdomen.

• Peptic Ulcers: Usually felt in the middle, but a duodenal ulcer can cause a dull pain on the right side that may get better or worse after eating.

Common Causes of Lower Right Side Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right quadrant (LRQ) is often related to the digestive tract or reproductive system.

• Appendicitis: This is a serious condition that needs quick medical attention. It usually begins as a mild pain near the belly button and then moves to a severe, sharp pain in the lower right side. If you feel pain when walking or coughing, get medical help right away.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s Disease often affect the end of the small intestine (called the ileum), found in the lower right area. This usually presents as chronic, cramping pain.

• Inguinal Hernia: A small opening in the abdominal wall can let tissue push through, leading to pain in one spot or a lump that hurts when you lift something heavy or strain.

• Reproductive Issues (Women):

o Ovarian Cysts: A cyst on the right ovary that bursts or twists.

o Ectopic Pregnancy: A serious problem where a fertilized egg grows outside the womb.

o Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection that can cause ongoing pain in the lower abdomen.

• Gas and Indigestion: Gas can get stuck in a part of your large intestine called the hepatic flexure, leading to sharp but short-term pain in the lower right area.

Comparison: Gas Pain vs. Appendicitis

This table helps you decide if you need to visit our DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, or South Daytona offices right away.

Symptom	Likely Gas / Indigestion	Likely Appendicitis (Emergency)
Location	Shifts around the abdomen	Settles firmly in the lower right
Pain Level	Crampy, comes and goes	Sharp, constant, and worsening
Fever	Usually no fever	Low-to-high grade fever
Rebound Tenderness	No	Yes (Hurts more when pressure is released)

How is Right Side Abdominal Pain Treated?

There is no single treatment for right-side abdominal pain. The cause can be something minor, like indigestion, or something serious that needs surgery. At Volusia Medical Center, our main goal is to find out the exact cause first.

Step 1: Professional Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, our providers carefully check to find out what is causing your pain:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will look for sore spots, swelling, or lumps.

• Laboratory Testing: Blood tests to look for infection (high white blood cell count) or check how your liver and pancreas are working.

• Urinalysis: This helps find out if you have kidney stones or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

• Diagnostic Imaging: If needed, we may use ultrasound or CT scans to look at your appendix, gallbladder, or kidneys.

Step 2: Tailored Treatment Plans

After finding the cause, treatment typically falls into one of three categories:

1. Conservative Management (For Minor Issues)

If the pain is caused by muscle strain, gas, or mild indigestion, treatment may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: This is helpful for muscle or joint pain.

• Dietary Changes: Eat more fiber or stay away from foods that upset your gallbladder.

• Hydration: Important for getting rid of small kidney stones or getting better from a stomach virus.

2. Medical Intervention

If you have an infection or a chronic condition, our internal medicine team may prescribe:

• Antibiotics: Used to treat early appendicitis (before it bursts), urinary tract infections (UTIs), or pelvic infections.

• Anti-inflammatories: Used to lower swelling in the stomach area or muscles.

• Acid Blockers: Used if the pain is caused by a stomach ulcer or acid reflux.

3. Surgical Referral (For Emergencies)

If our tests show you need surgery—like for a very inflamed appendix (appendicitis), large gallstones, or a hernia—we make sure you are stabilized and quickly connect you with a trusted local surgeon in the Volusia County area.

Can Pain in Your Right Side Be Prevented?

Whether you can prevent pain on your right side depends on what is causing it. You can't always stop emergencies like appendicitis, but many chronic issues with your gallbladder, kidneys, or digestive system can often be managed or avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices.

1. Protect Your Gallbladder (Upper Right Pain)

Gallstones are a leading cause of upper right quadrant pain. You can lower your risk by:

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile, which leads to stone formation.

• Choosing Healthy Fats: Use monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or avocado, and try not to eat too many saturated fats or fried foods, as these can cause gallbladder problems.

• High-Fiber Diet: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help keep bile from hardening.

2. Prevent Kidney Stones (Flank and Right Side Pain)

In the Florida heat, dehydration is the #1 cause of kidney stones in Volusia County.

• Hydrate Constantly: Aim for enough water so your urine is clear or pale yellow. This flushes out minerals before they can crystallize into stones.

• Watch Your Salt Intake: High sodium levels force the kidneys to excrete more calcium, increasing the risk of stones.

3. Support Digestive Health (Lower Right Pain)

Chronic lower-right pain is often linked to the "hepatic flexure" (a bend in the large intestine) or conditions like Crohn's Disease.

• Fiber is Key: Eating 25–30 grams of fiber daily keeps the digestive tract moving, preventing "trapped gas" and constipation.

• Probiotics: Eating fermented foods or taking high-quality supplements can balance gut bacteria and lower inflammation.

4. Prevent Hernias and Muscle Strains

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Always lift with your legs, not your back or abdominal muscles, to help prevent inguinal hernias in the lower right abdomen.

• Core Strengthening: Having strong core muscles helps protect your internal organs and lowers the chance of muscle injuries when you move or exercise.

5. Regular Screenings and Check-ups

The most effective way to "prevent" pain from becoming a crisis is through regular monitoring. Routine blood work and physical exams can catch issues like fatty liver disease or kidney dysfunction long before they cause physical pain.

When to See a Doctor in Volusia County

If you are experiencing right-side abdominal pain, it's important to know when you should stop waiting and get help. At Volusia Medical Center, we suggest making an appointment if you notice any of these signs:

• Pain Lasting More Than 24 Hours: If a dull ache or discomfort does not improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies within a day.

• Recurring or "Cyclical" Pain: Discomfort that disappears but returns in the same spot, which could indicate gallstones or chronic digestive issues.

• Associated Digestive Changes: Persistent bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or a clear change in bowel habits along with pain on the right side.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Abdominal pain accompanied by a sudden drop in weight without changes to your diet or exercise.

• Low-Grade Fever: A temperature between 99°F and 100.4°F that could mean you have a mild infection or swelling in one area.

• Localized Tenderness: Pain that intensifies specifically when you press on your lower or upper right abdomen.

• Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks: If your pain makes it hard to walk, work, or sleep, you should see a doctor.

Don't wait for a minor ache to become a major complication. Let our team of internal medicine and primary care providers at Volusia Medical Center help you find relief and peace of mind. Contact us and schedule a consultation today to speak with our diagnostic specialists. Whether you are in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, or South Daytona, we are here to provide the expert care you need.

Conclusion

If you have pain on the right side of your abdomen, whether it is a mild ache or a sharp pain, you should see a doctor to make sure it is not something serious like gallstones, kidney stones, or appendicitis. Getting checked early is the best way to stop a small problem from becoming an emergency. At Volusia Medical Center, our doctors offer thorough tests and personalized care at our New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, and DeLand locations. This means people in Volusia County can quickly get the answers they need. Don’t risk your health—reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment and start feeling better.

FAQs

1. Is right side pain always appendicitis?

• No. While it is the most well-known cause, issues like gas, muscle strain, or even ovulation can cause discomfort in the lower right. However, due to the risk, appendicitis should always be ruled out by a professional first.

2. Can a kidney stone cause pain on the right side?

• Yes. If the stone is in your right kidney or moving through the tube from your kidney to your bladder on the right side, you may feel sharp, intense pain in your lower right back and belly. This pain often comes and goes.

3. Why does my right side hurt when I exercise?

• This is often a "side stitch," which is essentially a cramp in the diaphragm. However, if the pain persists after you stop moving or is accompanied by a bulge, it may be a hernia or other underlying issue.

4. Can gallbladder issues cause pain in the shoulder?

• Yes, they can. When the gallbladder is inflamed, it can affect the phrenic nerve. This may lead to pain that you feel in your right shoulder blade or upper back, even though the problem is in your gallbladder.

5. How can I tell the difference between muscle strain and internal pain?

• Muscular pain usually feels "on the surface" and gets worse when you twist or stretch that specific muscle. Pain from your internal organs feels deeper inside, might come with nausea, and usually does not change when you move.