Stomach Pain on the Right Side

Sharp, dull or acute pain in stomach can be attributed to several causes. Stomach pain can not only be caused due to a disorder arising from the stomach, but from any other organ located in the abdominal area like the liver, right kidney, gallbladder, right ureter, right ovary, and right fallopian tube (in females), etc. The type of pain differs according to the cause of it. Let us get to know more on stomach pain and its causes.

Pain on Lower Right Side of Stomach

Appendicitis: Appendicitis, or the inflammation of the appendix, is the most common cause of pain on the right side of stomach. The pain caused due to appendicitis is very intense and is felt in the lower right side of the stomach. Along with abdominal pain, one also experiences nausea, vomiting and fever. Appendicitis is commonly observed in teenagers and young adults, between 12 - 30 years of age.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is a complication in pregnancy that occurs when implantation of the fertilized egg takes place outside the uterus. If a woman undergoes ectopic pregnancy, she experiences lower stomach pain in the right side or left side.

Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is another cause of stomach pain on the lower right side. Diverticulitis is a condition that is caused when diverticula in the colon get inflamed. Apart from stomach pain, which is the major symptom of diverticulitis, the other symptoms observed are nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea.

Kidney Stone: The excruciating and intense pain in the lower right side of the stomach can be a symptom of kidney stone. Along with the stomach, the pain spreads to the groin and back region. The pain due to kidney stone is unbearable for many people and is considered as the worst pain ever experienced.

Pain on Upper Right Side of Stomach

Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, or the inflammation of the pancreas, is yet another cause of stomach pain on the upper right side of the stomach. The pain may even spread to the sides of the stomach and the back. This pain worsens after a meal or drinking water. Other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and faster heart beats are also experienced.

Gallstones: Gallstones are the crystalline stones formed in the gallbladder or ducts. These stones are made of cholesterol or bilirubin and are abnormally formed in the body. Gallstones cause a blockage in the bile duct and can also give rise to severe pain in the stomach.

Hiatus/ Hiatal Hernia: Hiatal hernia is caused due to the bulging or protrusion of the part of the stomach through the diaphragm. Pain in the upper right side of stomach is the symptom of hiatal hernia. Apart from stomach pain, acid reflux and heartburn are some of the other symptoms of hiatal hernia.

Along with these prominent mentioned ones, the other causes of pain on the right side stomach include gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, bowel cancer, twisted ovarian cyst, constipation, diarrhea, infection in urinary tract, food poisoning, etc. Gastric problems like constipation and diarrhea are the major causes of stomach pain right side in children and infants.

Treatment of Stomach Pain on Right Side

If you experience persistent abdominal pain that lasts for more than a day, you must consult the doctor immediately. Specially, in case you observe any other symptom, it is wise to go to the doctor right away, rather than relying on home remedies. On the other hand, note that abdominal pain after eating is related to gastric problems in most of the cases. Gastric problems can be treated with home remedies or by making changes in the diet. Other causes of abdominal pain can be treated with the help of respective treatment methods.

When talking about the preventive measures for stomach pain, it should be noted that having a proper diet helps in prevention of several diseases related to the stomach. Therefore, it is wise to have a balanced diet and also exercise regularly to prevent disorders related to the digestive system. Take care!