Right-Side Stomach Pain: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

Pain on the right side of your stomach can be unsettling, especially when you are not sure what is causing it. You may find yourself wondering whether it is something minor that will settle on its own or a sign that you should see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Right-sided stomach pain is a common symptom with many possible causes. Some are related to digestion and resolve with simple care, while others may need prompt medical attention. Understanding what could be behind the pain, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to seek help can help you feel more at ease and make confident decisions about your health.

What is right-sided stomach pain?

Right-sided stomach pain is discomfort or pain that occurs on the right side of your abdomen. 

Your right abdomen is divided into two main areas:

• Right upper abdomen:

  • This is the area below your right ribcage, where your liver, gallbladder, and part of your colon are located.

• Right lower abdomen:

  • This sits below your belly button on the right side. This is where your appendix, part of your intestines, and for women, the right ovary and fallopian tube are located.

Your pain may feel sharp or dull. Sometimes it’s constant, while other times it comes and goes. You may also notice symptoms such as nausea, bloating, or changes in your bowel movements. 

All of this information can give your doctor a clear picture of your pain. This helps them find the underlying cause and recommend the right care plan to help you feel better sooner.

Common causes of right-sided stomach pain

Your right abdomen is home to different important organs, so there are many possible causes of the pain. Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons divided by location.

Causes of upper right stomach pain

If you feel pain in the right upper part of your stomach, it may be because of:

• Gallstones and gallbladder issues:

  • When hard deposits called gallstones form in your gallbladder, they can cause sharp or cramping pain in your right upper abdomen. You may feel the pain increase after eating fatty or greasy meals.

• Liver conditions:

  • Conditions such as hepatitis (liver inflammation), fatty liver disease or liver abscesses (in rare cases) can cause pain in this area. The pain may feel like a dull ache or fullness.

• Kidney problems:

  • Kidney stones and kidney infections are the two most common kidney-related causes. The pain can radiate to your back and often goes along with painful or frequent urination.

Causes of lower right stomach pain

Pain in the lower right side of your abdomen can stem from different causes. Some are minor and can improve on their own. Others need immediate medical attention.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, is one of the most important causes to be aware of because it requires prompt medical treatment. 

If you have appendicitis, you may notice:

• Pain location:

  • You may feel the pain begin around your belly button. It then shifts to the lower right side of your abdomen in a few hours.

• Pain triggers:

  • The pain can increase when you cough, walk, or make sudden movements.

• Other symptoms: 

  • When the condition progresses, you may have a fever.

If you experience any of these, seek medical care right away.

Digestive issues

Your right-sided stomach pain can be caused by the digestive system. Some of the common problems include:

• Constipation: 

  • When you haven’t had a bowel movement in a while, stool can build up and cause discomfort, often on the right side.

• Inflammatory bowel disease: 

  • Conditions like Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in your digestive tract, including the right side of your colon, leading to cramping, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

• Gas and bloating: 

  • Trapped gas can cause sharp pains that move around your abdomen, including the right side.

Gynaecological causes

If you’re a woman, lower right abdominal pain might be related to the reproductive organs. The causes can be:

• Ovarian cysts: 

  • Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own. However, larger ones can cause a dull ache or sharp pain on one side of your lower abdomen.

• Ectopic pregnancy:

  • Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg implants outside your uterus, often in a fallopian tube. It can cause sharp and stabbing pain on one side. This condition needs immediate medical attention.

• Ovarian torsion:

  • This condition is rare. It occurs when your ovary twists on itself. It causes sudden, severe pain and needs emergency treatment.

• Endometriosis:

  • When tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside it, it can cause chronic pelvic pain, especially during your period.

Other causes

Sometimes, your right-sided pain can be caused by less concerning problems, such as:

• Muscle strain: 

  • Using your muscles too much during exercise or making sudden movements can strain your abdominal muscles, which leads to your pain.

• Hernia: 

  • It happens when part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, causing discomfort.

Right-sided stomach pain can have many possible causes, which can feel overwhelming at first. Fortunately, many of these causes are common and treatable. 

It’s also important to remember that not all pain signals something serious. Although learning about these causes can help you better understand your pain, everyone experiences it differently. 

The only way to know for certain what's happening to you is to get checked with your doctor. With the right assessment and care, you can find relief and feel reassured about your health.

Warning signs that need medical attention

Some right-sided stomach pain will go away on its own. Others suggest you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you recognise the warning signs and seek help promptly.

You should contact your doctor or go to an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if you have:

• Pain that persists for more than a few days

• Pain that keeps recurring or follows a pattern

• Discomfort that interferes with your daily activities or sleep

• Unexplained weight loss along with abdominal pain

• Changes in your bowel habits that last more than a week

• Pain that get worse over time

• Any symptoms that worry you, even if they seem minor

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is happening, but they do mean your body needs medical attention. Checking with your doctor can give you peace of mind. If there is an issue, catching it early can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.

How to treat right-sided stomach pain

Fortunately, most causes of right-side stomach pain are treatable. Once your doctor figures out what’s causing your discomfort, they’ll work with you to find the approach that’s right for you.

Generally, your treatment will depend on what’s causing your pain:

• For gallstones: 

  • Your treatment depends on how much trouble your gallstones are causing. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes to avoid triggering pain or medications to dissolve small cholesterol stones. 

  • If stones cause frequent pain, surgical removal will be recommended. This is a very common and safe procedure.

• For appendicitis:

  • If your pain relates to appendicitis, your doctor will perform surgery to remove the appendix. This is the standard and most effective treatment.

• For kidney stones:

  • If your kidney stones are small, they often pass naturally on their own. Your doctor will help you manage the pain and encourage you to drink plenty of water to help the process.

  • If you have larger stones, your doctor may suggest procedures like shock wave therapy to break them up or surgery to remove them.

• For digestive issues:

  • Changing your diet can improve your pain significantly, especially if you’re dealing with constipation or gas and bloating.

  • If you have inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will prescribe medications to manage your symptoms.

• For gynaecological causes:

  • Women's health issues affecting the right side are managed based on the specific condition. Many ovarian cysts go away on their own and just need monitoring.

  • Endometriosis might be treated with hormonal medications or surgery.

  • Ectopic pregnancy, on the other hand, needs immediate treatment to protect your health and fertility.

Your treatment plan will be personalised to your unique conditions. Your doctor will take time to guide you through the plan and answer any concerns you may have. They’ll also monitor you closely to make sure you respond well to the treatment and adjust it if needed.

How to manage your pain at home

If you're experiencing mild, non-urgent right-sided pain, there are some lifestyle changes and self-care approaches you can try to manage it. 

These pain management techniques include:

• Rest:

  • You can try lying down in a comfortable position that doesn't worsen the pain.

• Heat therapy:

  • A warm (not hot) heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen can help soothe muscle tension and cramping.

• Stay hydrated:

  • Drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation, flush out waste, and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

• Gentle movement:

  • Light walking can sometimes help with gas and constipation. However, you should avoid strenuous activity, especially if it worsens your pain.

• Mindful eating:

  • Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods if you're also experiencing nausea.

It’s important to keep in mind that these approaches are only for temporary and mild discomfort. If your pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Right-sided stomach pain can be concerning, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. If something doesn't feel right or you're concerned about your symptoms, reaching out to your doctor is always the right choice. They can assess your situation, order appropriate tests, and work with you to find answers and relief.

FAQ

Is right-sided pain appendicitis?

Can gas cause right-sided pain?

What should I eat when my right side hurts?

Can dehydration cause right-sided pain?

How to relieve right-sided stomach pain?

Is it normal for right-sided stomach pain to come and go?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.