Lower Right Abdominal Pain
Characterized by sudden or recurrent pain in the right part below the umbilicus or belly button, lower right abdominal pain can be caused by minor injuries or serious disorders. In this regard, it is important for patients to identify which symptoms indicate medical emergencies to avoid suffering from life-threatening health conditions. To know which are the appropriate treatments, physicians should be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain. Below are the common symptoms and causes as well as the methods used to diagnose lower right abdominal pain.
Lower Right Abdominal Pain Symptoms
Knowing the different symptoms is important to know if patients need to go to an emergency room and seek immediate help from physicians. Individuals who experience severe, intense and sharp ache in the lower right part of the belly button accompanied by frequent vomiting and fever should call the ambulance right away since the condition can be caused by appendicitis. Another indication that patients need an ambulance is stabbing pain or tingling sensation that spreads to the back accompanied by nausea. Patients should also go to an emergency room if the pain intensifies after eating a heavy meal.
Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain
Aside from appendicitis, there are other diseases related to ache in the lower right part of the abdomen such as pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and diabetes. Other serious disorders and illnesses that can cause this pain are gallstones, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, viral hepatitis, kidney stones as well as hiatal hernia. Additionally, lower right abdominal pain can be related to gastritis, colorectal cancer, ectopic pregnancy and allergy. To avoid experiencing further problems, patients are advised to seek assistance from physicians at most two days after the onset of the health condition.
Lower Right Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
Diagnosing the true cause of lower right abdominal pain is not hard since there are advance medical equipment and methods that health professionals can use. Patients who need immediate medical response usually undergo magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. On the other hand, those who experience mild and recurrent aching in the lower right area of the abdomen are advised by doctors to have a pelvic ultrasound, x-ray, blood tests and urinalysis.
Lower Right Abdominal Pain Relief
Individuals who experience mild pain can take acetaminophen or antacid. It is important to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drinking and smoking because these can worsen the condition. Other first aid treatments that patients can try include the application of ice pack on the affected part as well as undergoing massage therapy.