There are situations when delay in providing medical care can cost a person’s life. These conditions are associated with pain, manifested in acute or chronic form. As you know, a painful attack is the body’s cry for help, so pain cannot be ignored. Let's consider a situation where the right side hurts under the ribs, on the side of the lower edge of the right rib. What it could be, what pathologies are behind the pain syndrome in this area - the answers to these questions will help you assess the seriousness of the situation and make the right decision when the symptom in question is detected.
What is on the right side of a person?
Pain in the right side under the ribs can be either reflected from organs located in the immediate vicinity or radiating (radiating) from other parts of the abdominal cavity or chest. On the right under the ribs and on the side of a person there are:
- liver;
- gallbladder;
- the lower edge of the pulmonary pleura (lining of the lung);
- colon;
- right adrenal gland.
Pain on the right under the ribs can be provoked by damage or inflammation in these organs, as well as in organs located below - the appendix, prostate, bladder or above and to the left - the heart sac (pericardium), the pleura of the right lung or the diaphragm.
Manifestation of pain under the ribs
The intensity and nature of the discomfort depends on the illness that caused it. A dull pain radiating to the right shoulder is characteristic of gallbladder pathologies. Heaviness in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and weakness may also be present.
Sharp pain is inherent in cholecystitis. In this case, there is vomiting, weakness, fever, chills.
Severe paroxysmal spasms are characteristic of hepatic colic and cholelithiasis. The pain can radiate to the neck, shoulder blade, or shoulder. The patient constantly vomits, but does not feel relief.
A spasm that encircles against the background of vomiting and diarrhea is characteristic of pancreatitis. Moreover, with exacerbation, the symptoms intensify. Chronic diseases of the pancreas and liver are caused by aching pain.
A pulling condition with numbness is characteristic of neuralgia and osteochondrosis in the lumbar region. Discomfort increases with movement.
Why the pain?
If there are no questions about the location of the organs, it’s time to turn to an explanation of the reasons that make these organs hurt. You can identify the provocateur of pain under the right rib on the side using special distinctive features.
Why does it hurt when moving?
It is worth paying attention to what circumstances (fatty foods, dynamic loads, etc.) lead to pain on the right side. For example, pain in the right side when moving may indicate the presence of several pathologies:
The characteristic features of pain associated with cholelithiasis are difficult to confuse with other pain sensations; it is not for nothing that they are called hepatic or biliary colic. Usually they have a paroxysmal and pronounced character, which is explained by the movement of stones along the biliary tract.
Steatohepatosis, or “fatty liver” is accompanied by the introduction of fatty patches into hepatocytes (liver cells), the liver parenchyma grows and becomes unable to perform its functions. The overgrown gland irritates nearby nerve endings, especially when moving, and causes pain.
If it hurts under the ribs when jogging, it means that the liver, not accustomed to physical activity, filled with blood too quickly, which is why its capsule stretched and began to put pressure on the surrounding nerve endings. The reason in this case is lack of training.
If the pain is acute
Acute pain on the right, in front or on the side under the ribs should be treated with special attention, because it signals that very urgent (urgent) situation that requires an immediate call for an ambulance.
- If the pain feels like it is “creeping” down, this may be a sign of acute inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis), which requires urgent surgical intervention.
- In case of urolithiasis, sharp pain radiating to the iliac region indicates that a kidney stone has entered the orifice of the ureter.
- In women, acute pain in the right side can be symptoms of urgent conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst, or apoplexy (rupture) of this organ. The latter is confirmed by heavy bleeding.
- Pain in the right side in men is most often associated with acute liver failure caused by alcohol intoxication or injury.
- Sharp pain that intensifies when changing body position can be caused by pinching of the intercostal nerve. Such pain can subside when moving the body into a comfortable position.
- If the pain is on the right under the ribs, the pain is “pecking” and appears suddenly, this is almost 100% “hepatic colic” caused by spasm of the bile duct or blockage of its mouth by a calculus or tumor.
In medical practice, sudden hepatic colic is considered very rare, since they are usually preceded by recurrent nagging pain on the side under the ribs.
Causes of pain in the right hypochondrium
Pain in the right side of the abdomen does not always indicate any disease. At times they are caused by physiological changes that also happen to completely healthy people.
- Stitches in the side after jogging
or other physical activity. This is typical for unprepared people who are not used to playing sports. Physical activity is stressful for their body, and it reacts with a sharp release of adrenaline. The hormone provokes a spasm of the bile ducts, which stretch from the bile overflowing them. At the same time, the liver fills with blood, increases in size, and the organs press on each other, causing pinpoint pain and tingling. - Tingling in the right side
after a heavy meal. On a full stomach you don’t want to move or move. Under the influence of adrenaline, the inferior vena cava expands and puts pressure on the liver, which is also under pressure from a full stomach. This is why you should not exercise immediately after eating. - Sharp pain in the right side
, radiating to the back. This happens in women shortly before the start of menstruation. Hormonal imbalance causes spasm of the bile ducts, resulting in sharp pain that radiates to the back. It goes away on its own, but causes significant discomfort to the woman. - Pain in the right side during pregnancy
. The uterus, stretched under the influence of the growing fetus, puts pressure on neighboring organs. Also, the hormone progesterone, secreted to relax smooth muscles and prevent miscarriage, provokes stagnation of bile (cholestasis in pregnant women). Many pregnant women experience pain in the right hypochondrium, which intensifies with movement. Therefore, women need to limit their loads and walk more at a slow pace. - Cramps in the lower abdomen (not menstrual)
. Hepatic, renal, and intestinal colic are characterized by irradiation—reflection of the pain signal to another part of the body.
Other localization of pain symptom
Having figured out what hurts to the right of the costal arch, let’s remember about pain that has a different localization. These are pains that arise in the abdominal cavity or radiate to the back.
Front
If it hurts under the ribs in the front, you should look for the causes of the symptom in diseases of the organs located in the abdominal cavity:
- pancreas;
- duodenum and colon (large) intestine;
- diaphragm.
Sometimes the pinched intercostal nerve “hurts” in the front of the ribs; in this case, the patient can find a position in which the pain symptom is almost not bothersome.
Epigastric (in the triangle under the ribs) pain is often observed during an attack of ischemic heart disease. Only a thorough diagnosis will help clarify the true cause of the pain syndrome.
From the back
Pain that shoots through the right side and the area under the ribs from the back can be associated with pathologies of the adrenal glands, osteochondrosis, diseases of the female reproductive system - adnexitis and others. Taking tests, ultrasound or x-ray examinations will allow you to differentiate pain symptoms and establish the cause of their occurrence.
Nature of pain: what does pain in the hypochondrium mean?
The nature of the pain can say a lot. How it hurts, where it hurts, duration and intensity - all this indicates different processes taking place inside.
We tried to generalize the nature of pain in the hypochondrium and associate it with possible diseases.
In front under the ribs
How: pain under the ribs in the front of the abdomen, in the side, aching, pulling, the pain is constant, may intensify after eating.
Possible causes: diseases of the digestive system, liver, gall bladder
Associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, bitterness in the mouth, bloating, changes in the digestion process, bowel function, etc.
Behind the ribs
How: pain under the ribs in the back, radiating to the side and lower back.
Possible causes: pathologies of the adrenal gland, neuralgia, lumbar osteochondrosis and hernia, pyelonephritis, neoplasms, injuries.
Associated symptoms: inflammation, spasms, general weakness of the body.
Sharp, sharp pain
How: sudden, uneven nature of pain; paroxysmal pain, piercing and intensifying when walking or sudden movements.
Possible causes: trauma, acute appendicitis, cardiac dysfunction (for example, myocardial infarction), helminthiasis, complications of herpes.
Associated symptoms: indigestion, gastrointestinal system disorders.
Stitching pain
How: spasms and tingling in the side, often occur after exercise and intense physical activity (running, physical exercise, etc.).
Possible causes: diseases that provoke such pain often include lung or liver diseases.
Associated symptoms: fever, blue discoloration of the nasolabial area, difficulty breathing.
Dull, aching, nagging pain
How: Mild pain and discomfort, which over time can develop into a constant dull ache that persists in almost any position.
Possible causes: prolonged aching pain in the hypochondrium, as a rule, is characteristic of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (duodenitis, cholecystitis, ulcers), liver pathologies (cirrhosis, hepatitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), etc.
Associated symptoms: nausea, loss of appetite, digestive disorders.
Useful video
The video will tell you useful information about the structure and function of the liver:
Pain, heaviness, discomfort in the right side under the ribs when moving, after a heavy meal - all these are signals that the body sends us that not everything is fine. And it is better to pay attention to these initial warning signs while the disease has just begun to develop, rather than face further aggravation and exacerbation. To recognize the disease on time, it is important to know which organs are located in the right hypochondrium.
Liver diseases in which stabbing pain on the right under the ribs
The liver is an organ that does not have nerve endings in its thickness. If some pathological changes occur in the liver parenchyma, the patient does not even know about it - nothing hurts. Because of this feature, dangerous diseases such as chronic hepatitis B or can be completely asymptomatic until cirrhosis occurs. Nerve endings are present only in the capsule that covers the organ. When it stretches, which occurs against the background of an increase in the size of the liver, unpleasant sensations may appear. In what situations can the liver become enlarged and tingle?
The most common reason is running, brisk walking . With such physical exertion, the liver becomes excessively filled with blood, that is, it swells, hence the unpleasant tingling sensation. A similar picture is typical for heart failure , in which the heart cannot pump blood and it stagnates in the legs, liver and other organs. However, unlike the first example, heart failure leads to the fact that the liver is constantly overflowing with blood, so discomfort in the right hypochondrium is almost always present. Tension of liver capsules is also possible in other diseases - acute hepatitis, alcohol intoxication, tumors of the organ parenchyma, as well as damage by parasites (for example, echinococcosis).
What organs are on the right side of a person?
It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, holding their right side, “Oh, it’s probably a bad liver.” Such a statement rarely turns out to be true, since it is the liver that cannot hurt: there are no nerve endings in this organ. However, it is surrounded by Glisson's capsule. When the liver enlarges as a result of painful processes occurring in it, it puts pressure on the capsule, which causes pain. There are also many other organs on the side to the right, and each of them can produce painful symptoms.
Let's look at the right hypochondrium - what is in this place:
- Right section of the diaphragm
- Upper intestines
All these organs are located on the side in front. Each of them can give off discomfort, dull and sharp, stabbing and encircling pain in the right hypochondrium in front. But even this is not an exhaustive list.
Pain may radiate to the right with:
- Rib fractures
- Gastritis and stomach ulcers
- Inflammatory processes occurring in the intestines
- Osteochondrosis
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Appendicitis
- Right-sided pneumonia or pleurisy
- Various types of oncological processes
Let's talk about the liver
It is important to know where a person’s liver is located, although it cannot become a source of pain. By enlarging due to the pathological processes occurring in it, the liver can put pressure on neighboring organs, causing a noticeable feeling of discomfort. If in your youth you can be forgiven for wondering whether the liver is on the left or the right, then at an older age it will make itself felt with a feeling of heaviness after a heavy or fatty meal.
A few more signs that the liver is the culprit of the problem:
- Dry and itchy skin, especially the palms
- Yellowing of the skin, cornea of the eyes, mucous membranes in the mouth
If such symptoms appear, you don’t have to think about where the liver is, but feel free to take a ticket to a hepatologist or, in extreme cases, a gastroenterologist.
Liver disease usually extends directly under the ribs. However, on the lower surface of the organ there are so-called gates. At the porta hepatis there are the hepatic artery, portal vein, common hepatic duct, lymph nodes and lymph vessels. Problems can also arise here - thrombosis, cysts, inflammation of the lymph nodes. All these pathologies are easily detected by ultrasound.
Can the appendix under the ribs hurt?
Everyone knows in which direction a person’s appendicitis is located, and they begin to remember it if the localization of pain is located deep in the lower right abdomen or around the navel. However, not all so simple. As pain develops, it may well radiate to the liver area. In addition, in 17% of people the appendix may be located atypically. If the process of the cecum is turned upward, then the pain will radiate precisely under the right rib in front.
Gallbladder problems
Cholecystitis is the most common pathology of the gallbladder. Inflammation of the gallbladder occurs in both children and adults. It is characterized by: prolonged pain after eating fatty foods, nausea, fever. Cholecystitis is perhaps the most common cause of pain in this area. As the disease progresses, stones may form in the gall bladder, obstructing the release of bile. With further development of gallstone disease, pain in this area will increase, and the pain may begin to radiate to the upper abdomen and sternum.
The root of the problem is in the pancreas
Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. The incidence of pancreatitis in children is 9-12 cases per 100,000, and in adults – up to 50 cases per 100,000 people. Pancreatitis is a disease of poor nutrition. Indulgence in fast food, fatty foods, and sweets can cause its development. The disease also develops rapidly in those who abuse alcohol. Pain with pancreatitis can occur in the right hypochondrium or on the right at waist level, spread to the middle of the abdomen, be localized to the left of the navel, and even shoot under the shoulder blade.
Can the diaphragm hurt?
When thinking about what organ is located under the right rib, few people remember the diaphragm. Meanwhile, this is a very important organ that stimulates the breathing process. The diaphragm may hurt due to physiological reasons during pregnancy, a hernia may form in it, and an abscess may begin. Diaphragmatic pain can be similar to gastroenterological pain. Diseases of the diaphragm manifest themselves in severity in the epigastric region, under the ribs. Symptoms may increase after eating and may be aggravated by vomiting. In addition, breathing becomes more difficult, heart rhythm is disturbed, and shortness of breath occurs when lying down.
The right kidney is the source of pain in the right hypochondrium
We looked at which organ is located under the right rib in the front, but we must not forget about the organs located below and behind. Pain in them can also radiate to the right side and right hypochondrium. Kidney diseases are diagnosed after tests for OAM, etc. The most common are pyelonephritis, kidney stones, and renal failure. More often, with kidney disease, the lower back hurts or the pain goes lower.
However, pain in the right hypochondrium may be accompanied by the following symptoms characteristic of kidney disease:
- Swelling in the morning
- Problems with urination
- Low-grade fever
- Weakness and loss of appetite
The concentration of several important organs in one projection of the body requires a differential approach to examination. The doctor excludes diseases that are similar in manifestations, and ultimately reveals the presence of the underlying pathology that caused the discomfort. Possible causes of the condition cover a wide spectrum: the source of the unpleasant sensation can be both inflammation and tumor. Therefore, when patients ask: “The right side hurts under the ribs on the side - what could it be?” – they are sent for comprehensive diagnostics.
Why does the right lower abdomen tingle?
A sign of pain is not always pathology of the digestive organs. The reason why the lower right side stings is the following conditions:
- poisoning;
- general intoxication of the body;
- kidney disease;
- adhesions and scars of the abdominal cavity.
In an acute condition, differential diagnosis is necessary. When it stings in the right lower side of the abdomen, you can think of inflammation of the cecum.
Pain with appendicitis increases rapidly, the condition worsens. Vomiting, diarrhea occurs, and the temperature rises. The process can only be stopped surgically.
A similar condition occurs with renal colic due to the presence of stones. In addition to stabbing pain in the right side, the patient has painful urination and there is blood in the urine. Unlike the symptoms of appendicitis, you can reduce the symptoms of an attack by choosing a certain body position.
Among women
Soreness is often associated with hormonal fluctuations. The reason is the use of contraceptives, the formation of the fertilized egg at the beginning of pregnancy, the pressure of the growing uterus on the liver in the third trimester. A hormonal imbalance causes spasm of the bile ducts, disruption of the outflow of bile, and colic in the right hypochondrium.
Any manifestation of pain in a pregnant woman requires the close attention of a specialist. In this situation, self-medication is unacceptable.
With colic in the lower abdomen, women are at risk of developing a pregnancy outside the uterus. There is a risk of rupture of the fallopian tube when the fertilized egg attaches to its wall. In this case, the symptoms are similar to acute appendicitis.
Another cause is “female” diseases - this is adnexitis, torsion of an ovarian cyst. During inflammation of the appendages, stabbing in the lower abdomen, purulent discharge. The woman is worried about nausea and vomiting, and her temperature rises. Stitches in the right side and when the cyst leg is torsed. You feel a loss of strength and may bleed.
Localization of pain
In men
Unpleasant sensations in the right side are associated with diseases, injuries, problems of the pelvic organs, and dysfunctions of the digestive system. Pain in the lower abdomen in men occurs for the following reasons:
- intestinal obstruction;
- adhesions, peritonitis, acute mesadenitis;
- thrombosis of peritoneal vessels;
- abdominal injuries.
Prostatitis becomes a common problem in men. Stitches in the lower abdomen closer to the groin. The symptom spreads to the suprapubic region and radiates to the genitals. Urination becomes more frequent, becomes painful, and potency decreases.
Salmonellosis and E. coli can provoke colic. In this case, fever, malaise, diarrhea, and dehydration are observed. Discomfort is caused by helminths and their metabolic products.
What is under the right rib?
This is the localization of the organs of the hepatobiliary system, the right kidney, and partially the digestive tract. If a degenerative process of the thoracic region develops, the muscles become inflamed - the pain also affects the right side. Also, the location of discomfort on only one side of the body is typical for oncological processes. Often, when they reach the terminal stage, they are accompanied by the development of metastases.
The nature of the intensity of pain
Pain in the right side, front and side, varies in nature. Let's look at the main types.
Aching
Often occurs due to diseases:
- Myositis. It is a local inflammation of the skeletal muscles. More often, myositis is of an infectious nature, and an increase in body temperature is possible. As a rule, it occurs after an acute respiratory viral infection or other infection. Myositis of autoimmune origin is possible, for example with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is characterized by increased pain upon palpation of the inflamed area, which can be localized in the right side in front under the ribs.
- Duodenitis is an inflammatory disease of the duodenum or its bulb. It occurs due to the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in a person, or chronic stress and constant poor nutrition.
- Acalculous cholecystitis. This is a chronic inflammatory process in the gallbladder, characterized by disruption of the normal evacuation of the contents of the bladder. Mostly occurs when eating the wrong, fatty and spicy foods.
- Differential diagnosis will be carried out by a gastroenterologist.
The source of such discomfort is all liver diseases:
- Hepatitis is an inflammatory lesion of the liver. Depending on the cause, there are 4 types of hepatitis: infectious (viral, bacterial, parasitic), toxic (drug, alcohol, hepatitis due to poisoning with a toxic substance), radiation and autoimmune hepatitis. The patient will also be concerned about dyspeptic symptoms in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and symptoms of general intoxication.
- Cirrhosis is the result of hepatitis or hepatosis. This is a chronic liver pathology in which normal liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue. As a result, the organ cannot cope with its functions, and liver failure develops.
- Echinococcosis is a helminthiasis caused by Echinococcus. In addition, it can affect any parenchymal organ: lungs, heart, brain, etc. It is characterized by the formation of echinococcal cysts, due to which the organ increases in size and loses its functions.
The clinical picture is associated with stretching of the liver capsule with enlargement of the organ due to inflammation, parasitic or oncological damage.
Symptoms and methods of transmission of hepatitis
Sharp and sharp
Characteristic for conditions:
- Calculous cholecystitis. At the same time, it is sharp, cramping. Stone formation in the gallbladder develops due to disruption of the normal functioning of the bile ducts.
- Intercostal neuralgia. In this case, compression of the nerve root at the exit from the spinal cord and spine occurs due to muscle spasm during osteochondrosis, hypothermia, and physical activity. Neuralgia is shooting, sharp, starts from the back and radiates to the hypochondrium. When palpating the intercostal space, pain is noted.
An objective examination and ultrasound of the abdominal organs will resolve the issue of making a diagnosis.
Pulling in the right side
Such a complaint will occur with chronic pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas occurs due to a violation of the outflow of digestive juices into the intestines and errors in nutrition. In this case, the pain in the front under the right ribs intensifies after eating the wrong food and alcohol.
Burning
The main source of the burning sensation is shingles (herpes zoster). This is a disease caused by the chickenpox virus. This is characterized by a burning sensation and rashes with blisters in the skin area. A person becomes infected with the Varicella zoster virus in childhood. At the same time, chickenpox develops.
In a person who has had chickenpox, the virus remains in the ganglion cells, nerve roots and gray matter of the spinal cord. Activated when immunity decreases, it passes along the axon to the corresponding dermatome of the skin, which is accompanied by the appearance of vesicular rashes.
Strong
A similar symptom occurs with “acute abdomen” syndrome, the presence of a catastrophe in the abdominal cavity associated with irritation of the peritoneum. It is characterized by severe pain in the front of the abdomen, possibly under the ribs, and tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.
The causes are perforation of a stomach ulcer, intestinal rupture due to injury, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian apoplexy, appendicitis and others.
Constant
The chronic processes mentioned above are permanent: chronic acalculous cholecystitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
To correctly determine the diagnosis, it is important to correctly convey the intensity and nature of the pain that occurs in the hypochondrium.
- Weak pain is characteristic of chronic pyelonephritis; treatment is carried out in a hospital setting.
- Constant, sometimes becoming acute pain in the right side occurs with osteochondrosis. Standing or sitting can be very painful; to ease the sensation, it is recommended to take a semi-sitting position, leaning forward.
This symptom is the most dangerous and occurs in the following cases:
- Inflammation of the appendix.
- Stitching pain of an acute nature is a sign of:
- Rupture, hematoma of the liver
- Renal rupture
- Gallbladder rupture
- Kidney prolapse
- Fractured ribs
Types of pain
Pain syndrome is the main manifestation of many types of pathologies - destructive, inflammatory, infectious, tumor. But to clarify the clinical picture and quickly make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to know some information about the unpleasant sensation that has arisen.
When visiting a specialist you should:
- clarify the nature of the pain
- indicate the location of discomfort as accurately as possible
- list the factors that preceded the exacerbation of the attack
- report methods that can help you feel better
Based on the patient’s medical history, the doctor differentiates the condition, since the nature of the pain is of no small importance.
Pressure and heaviness in the side
Occurs during pregnancy (with multiple births, large baby size and/or in the 3rd trimester). The condition creates difficulty in adopting a pain-free body position. The symptom accompanies intrauterine movements of the fetus, including its slight displacement after the woman eats food. Other causes of discomfort under the ribs on the side are osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, problems with the condition of the liver, right kidney, and gall bladder.
Stitching pain
Appears mainly during a run or after eating unhealthy foods (fatty, smoked, fried foods). The condition indicates the formation of stones inside the gallbladder, or problems with the diaphragm. Also, a stabbing sensation is a sign of insufficient blood outflow from parts of the hepatobiliary system. Less commonly, this symptom manifests itself as cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder.
Blunt pain
Accompanies a wide range of diseases - pancreatitis, duodenitis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis. Damage to the pancreas, duodenum, liver, kidneys, and gall bladder is listed. What unites all of these pathological conditions is increased pain in the right side after eating food or changing body position. In case of kidney damage, discomfort under the ribs on the side is aggravated due to minor physical activity. Other symptoms are indigestion, nausea, vomiting, hyperthermia.
Sharp attack
It occurs with so-called hepatic colic, when a stone present in the gallbladder moves. Other pathologies that lead to pain in the right side are acute appendicitis, helminthic infestation, myocardial infarction (the abdominal manifestation of this). What unites the listed pathologies is a shift in localization from the subcostal part of the abdominal cavity to the peri-umbilical region. Other symptoms are bloating, weight loss accompanied by frequent and massive vomiting, diarrhea; hyperthermia.
It's a dull pain
Accompanies the development of colitis (inflammation of the intestines), cirrhosis of the liver, malignant neoplasms of various abdominal organs. The listed conditions combine weight loss, enlargement of the affected organ, and maintenance of body temperature at a subfebrile level. The patient has no appetite, which soon becomes the cause of weight loss, anemia, and hypovitaminosis. Since aching pain under the ribs on the side occurs periodically, and the degree of its intensity varies, the presence of pathology is not suspected. In 90% of cases, a doctor is consulted only when the disease is at a terminal stage and treatment is not effective.
What to do at home
If tingling occurs periodically after eating, it is advisable to monitor your diet and figure out what foods the body reacts to. Perhaps you should go on a diet for a little while, and everything will pass. In addition, you must definitely find time to visit a gastroenterologist.
Important
If you have acute abdominal pain, you should not take painkillers until a medical examination. Self-medication can “blur” the manifestations of the disease and the doctor will not be able to diagnose it correctly and in a timely manner.
In addition, heating pads and hot compresses should not be used to relieve pain. With an inflammatory process in the gallbladder or pancreas, heat does not help, but, on the contrary, accelerates the progression of pathological changes in these organs.
Enzyme preparations, antispasmodics, and painkillers can only be taken by those patients who know exactly their diagnosis and, accordingly, the cause of tingling in the right hypochondrium . For example, in acute pancreatitis, enzymes are not used, but in chronic inflammation of the pancreas, they are indicated. But such subtleties are hardly known to a person far from medicine, therefore, by self-medicating, he can greatly harm his health.
If your right side begins to ache during physical activity, you should stop, lean forward a little, as if supporting the liver, and rest in this position for a while. The pain should go away. If it doesn’t go away, be sure to see a doctor.
Pain in the right hypochondrium associated with inflammation or pinched nerves can be treated at home - with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs (they are used externally and internally), vitamins and physical therapy. However, for this, again, a diagnosis must be made and prescriptions given by a neurologist.
Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical observer, epidemiologist
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Causes
Experts associate right-sided pain with the development of inflammation of organs localized in this part of the body. Less commonly (in about 18% of cases), discomfort causes the formation of a malignant tumor. In 3-5% of situations, an unpleasant sensation in the side is observed in pregnant women (closer to the expected date of birth).
The main etiological factors, favorable conditions for their appearance, as well as common methods of relief are given in the table.
Etiology of pain in the right side | Why it occurs, what ways to stop it |
Liver and gallbladder diseases | Unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, medication use. Eliminated in a conservative way. If the pain is caused by the formation of stones inside the gallbladder, surgery will be required. |
Pancreatic diseases | Alcoholism, abuse of spicy, smoked, fatty foods; hereditary predisposition, uncontrolled medication use. Treatment is predominantly conservative. |
Intestinal diseases | Poor quality and/or infrequent nutrition, previous poisoning, helminthic infestation, smoking, alcoholism, excessive coffee consumption. Other factors are stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment is predominantly conservative. |
Muscle diseases | Excessive physical activity, hypothermia, monotonous and/or sedentary type of professional activity (pianists, drivers). Treatment is conservative. |
Intercostal neuralgia | Hypothermia, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, sudden jerking movement. Therapy is exclusively conservative. |
Diseases of the right lung | Hypothermia, the need for prolonged bed rest, work in harmful conditions, sudden climate change, smoking. Pneumonia, including those complicated by pleurisy, is treated conservatively. The malignant process involving the right lung is eliminated surgically, through radiation or chemotherapy. |
Acute appendicitis | Inflammatory processes in the intestines, the presence of foreign (undigested) objects in the appendix. Treatment is only surgical. |
Liver and gallbladder diseases
These include hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, and the formation of stones inside the gallbladder. Predisposing factors are unfavorable environmental conditions and anatomical features of the organs of the hepatobiliary system.
Clinical manifestations, in addition to pain localized in the right hypochondrium:
- Bitter taste
- Formation of a viscous white or gray coating on the tongue
- Dyspeptic symptoms – attacks of nausea, vomiting. In 90% of cases, the secreted masses contain an admixture of bile.
- Increase in body temperature to high numbers
- Increased intestinal motility
- Loose stools
Additional signs are a feeling of right-sided heaviness, bloating, tension in the anterior abdominal wall, and an unpleasant sensation when touching it. Against the background of the pathological condition, a decrease in blood pressure occurs, and a pale yellow tint of the skin is observed. If the pain is caused by hepatitis, the pigmentation of the urine increases (it takes on a dark brown tint), and the feces become lighter.
Pancreatic diseases
The inflammatory process inside the pancreas is defined as pancreatitis. Clinical signs of the disease:
- Feeling worse after eating (after 1-1.5 hours)
- Increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels
- Vomiting and defecation of undigested food
- Heartburn, nausea, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea
Like other diseases, pancreatitis is divided into acute and chronic forms. A malignant neoplasm of the pancreas does not have pronounced symptoms for a long time. The only noticeable things are changes in the shade of the skin and sclera, and constantly recurring discomfort after eating.
Intestinal diseases
Signs other than pain under the ribs on the side:
- Dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, heartburn)
- Bloating, pain under the ribs, around the navel with transition to the lumbosacral and suprapubic region
- Predisposition to constipation followed by diarrhea
- Formation of feces into uncharacteristic conglomerates - bean-shaped feces (symptom of “sheep feces”). An admixture of pus in the discharged masses.
Additional signs are weakening of hair with subsequent loss, brittle nails, loss of teeth, deterioration of skin condition. If intestinal cancer has formed, the stool contains streaks of blood, there is no appetite, dizziness and weakness occur. With malignant tumor processes, weight loss very quickly, and changing body position does not bring relief.
Muscle diseases
Inflammation of muscle fibers (myositis) is accompanied by shooting or cramping sensations. The etiology of the disease is the presence of a focus of chronic infection, convulsions during swimming. Sometimes the development of pathology is facilitated by taking certain groups of medications - antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, hormones. Discomfort intensifies after eating or bending to the left. When examining the affected area, tissue compaction is felt.
Intercostal neuralgia
It is an inflammatory process involving the nerve fibers of the right side of the ribs. The reasons are the presence of osteochondrosis, previous injuries to the chest, systematic stress. Clinical manifestations resemble myositis. A distinctive feature is numbness of the affected area, increased pain due to pressure on the spinal area.
Diseases of the right lung
If the right side hurts under the ribs on the side, the development of lower lobe pneumonia cannot be ruled out. Sometimes it is complicated by pleurisy. Clinical manifestations of pathology:
- Cough with or without sputum production
- Audible wheezing, shortness of breath
- Increase in general temperature to high numbers
- General weakness due to intoxication and respiratory dysfunction
With the development of a malignant neoplasm of the lung, an admixture of blood is always present in the coughed up sputum. At the same time, the patient quickly loses weight, his skin takes on a waxy tint, and his facial features become sharper. With pneumonia, pain can be reduced by placing the body on the right side. If a malignant tumor has occurred, such a measure is useless: sometimes even analgesics do not provide complete pain relief.
Acute appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms of the condition:
- Aching pain near the navel on the right, moving to the lower abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Loss of appetite, pale skin, decreased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
Immediate medical attention is required (you need to call an ambulance). If the inflamed area is not excised, it can open on its own, its contents spreading throughout the sterile abdominal cavity. In this case, peritonitis will occur, a life-threatening phenomenon.
Causes of pain in the right side: possible diseases
Pain in the side can be acute or aching, constant or occurring periodically, passing on its own, or persisting for a long time, despite the measures taken. The pain can change its character: dull pain can suddenly worsen and become sharp and strong, and, on the contrary, acute pain can turn into aching pain of low intensity. You should tell your doctor about all this.
Since the situation when the right side aches can be critical, you cannot postpone a visit to the hospital, and in case of severe pain, especially in the case of increased body temperature, general weakness, decreased blood pressure, or increased heart rate, you must seek medical help immediately.
Diseases of the liver and biliary tract
- Gallstone disease is a disease characterized by the formation of stones in the gallbladder and ducts. Pain in gallstone disease is often dull, aching, radiating to the right shoulder blade and shoulder. There is an increase in pain with stress, poor diet, shaking, and sudden changes in weather. As the disease progresses, intense, cutting, stabbing pain is noted in the upper right side, radiating to the area of the right shoulder blade and shoulder. such a painful attack is called biliary colic. During an attack, patients are restless, rushing about, screaming or moaning. Vomiting and nausea may occur.
- Hepatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, and toxins. Any hepatitis is characterized by pallor, weakness, a slight increase in body temperature, weight loss, poor appetite, yellowness of the skin, itching, pain in the right side under the ribs.
- Cholecystitis (calculous) is inflammation of the gallbladder. The main symptom of cholecystitis is pain in the right hypochondrium. It intensifies when consuming plenty of spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, and carbonated water. It can radiate to the right shoulder and scapula. In most patients, it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, bitter belching, and itchy skin.
- Biliary dyskinesia (BDT) is a violation of the passage of bile into the intestines. With hypotension of the gallbladder, pain in the right side is usually aching, constant, sometimes manifested only by a feeling of heaviness under the ribs on the right. Occurs an hour after eating. Patients may feel nausea and weakness. With gallbladder hypertension, pain is noted in the right side under the ribs and near the navel, which is strong, paroxysmal, cutting in nature, similar to biliary colic. Appear half an hour after eating. Most often, JVP accompanies the course of cholecystitis.
Diseases of the stomach and duodenum
- Duodenal ulcer. The main symptom is pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. It can be aching, cramping, cutting, sometimes weak, dull. The ulcer is characterized by periodic pain, the appearance of which is followed by a period of relative rest. Associated symptoms: heartburn, belching, nausea and vomiting, constipation.
- Duodenitis is accompanied by aching pain in the right side under the ribs two hours after eating. The pain can radiate (give) to the right shoulder blade, back, and can be encircling. Patients may also be bothered by vomiting, heartburn, bitter belching, weakness, sweating, and diarrhea.
- Gastritis. It is characterized by dull, mild periodic pain in the right side under the ribs and sternum, appearing more often two hours after eating, or on an empty stomach in the morning. Patients complain of decreased appetite, belching of sour air, constipation or diarrhea.
- A diaphragmatic hernia is a displacement of part of the esophagus, upper stomach, and sometimes intestines through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. With this disease, there may be a dull pain that appears after a heavy meal, when coughing, or when lying down. Belching, taking a deep breath, and vomiting reduce pain.
Kidney and bladder diseases
- Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys of immune origin. Children and young people get sick more often. With glomerulonephritis, pain is felt in the right and left side, in the lower back, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and the release of red urine. Patients complain of shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and swelling of the face in the morning. In the absence of edema, body weight may increase due to fluid retention in the body.
- Pyelonephritis is an infectious inflammation of the kidneys. Pain with pyelonephritis occurs more often on one side. If the right kidney is affected, then a severe aching pain is noted in the right side behind, in the lower back, and may hurt in the right side of the abdomen from below. The main manifestations of pyelonephritis: increased body temperature in the evening, painful urination, constant thirst, pallor with dark circles under the eyes, morning swelling of the face, headache, and possibly vomiting. Urine is excreted with an unpleasant odor and is cloudy.
- Urolithiasis is manifested by aching, dull pain in the lumbar region, frequent urination, and blood in the urine, especially after physical activity. The passage of a kidney stone through the ureter is accompanied by severe acute pain radiating to the lower back - the patient is restless and rushes about. This is how renal colic occurs.
Diseases of the intestines and pancreas
- Enteritis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Pain in the right side below (in the right iliac region) appears when the ileum is damaged. With enteritis, the nature of the pain can be constant or paroxysmal. Accompanied by rumbling in the stomach, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Appendicitis begins with the appearance of acute pain, often in the right side under the ribs. Gradually the pain descends to the navel area, and then down to the iliac region. At the same time, the temperature rises, there may be nausea and vomiting, weakness and loss of appetite.
- An inguinal hernia on the right is accompanied by transient acute pain in the right side and groin, which appears after physical exertion and heavy lifting, radiating to the leg. In addition, during an attack of pain, a protrusion appears in the lower right side, which disappears in the lying position.
- Pancreatitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. It is characterized by the appearance of attacks of intense girdling pain, accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief. When the head of the pancreas is affected, the pain is bothersome in the right side. Darkening of urine, jaundice, light (almost white) feces, and itchy skin are also observed.
Gynecological diseases
- An ectopic pregnancy initially leads to intermittent pain in the lower abdomen, which may cause bleeding from the genital tract. The longer pregnancy develops, the stronger the pain becomes, starting to radiate to the shoulder blade and rectum. If a pipe ruptures, it is accompanied by very sharp pain and internal bleeding, which often leads to loss of consciousness.
- Adnexitis is inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. With this disease, an attack of acute pain occurs in the lower abdomen on the right or left, which can radiate to the lower back. The attack is very similar to renal colic. Chronic adnexitis can cause pain in the right side during sexual intercourse.
- Apoplexy (rupture) of the ovary leads to severe pain in the lower abdomen, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Ovarian apoplexy very often occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle (during ovulation). A rupture can be triggered by sexual intercourse or physical activity.
- An ovarian cyst (endometroid) is manifested by a constant aching pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies during menstruation. When a cyst ruptures, twists, or suppurates, patients feel a sharp, dagger-like pain.
Pain during pregnancy
During gestation, unilateral pain is caused by the peculiarities of the intrauterine position of the child and the anatomical structure of the woman’s body. In 90% of cases, severe discomfort is observed in the 3rd trimester. Reasons for the phenomenon:
- The enlarged uterus rises from the pelvic cavity and puts pressure on the diaphragm
- The child makes active movements with his legs and arms
- Due to the enlarged uterus, there is a significant load on the spine
- Chaotic nutrition (abuse of fatty, sour, spicy and/or salty foods) leads to the development of problems with the liver and gall bladder
A complex of the listed factors can also be observed at once. Weight gain during pregnancy is of no small importance. Extra pounds also negatively affect the condition of the spine and create additional stress.
Women's diseases as a cause of pain
If a woman’s stomach hurts on the lower right side, this may be a consequence of the development of inflammation and the following pathologies:
- Ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms appear gradually, increase, stabbing pains are at first unobtrusive in nature, then worsen. They can persist for several weeks, and with a sharp increase in bleeding and the appearance of bleeding, a rupture of the fallopian tube can be suspected. In this condition, a woman can no longer endure pain; she begins to develop a fever and her temperature rises.
- The beginning of a miscarriage. Sometimes short-term stabbing pains associated with bleeding occur against the background of an incipient miscarriage.
- Pathological menstruation. Acute stabbing pain in the first 2-3 days, radiating to the back and other parts of the abdomen, can cause inflammation and infection, especially in the presence of fever, nausea and headaches.
- Ovarian cyst. Symptoms occur during ovulation and menstruation. When the cyst is large, the outline of the right or left ovary becomes noticeable. If a cyst ruptures, the pain intensifies, the temperature rises, and symptoms radiate to the groin and lumbar area.
- Adnexitis is inflammation of the ovary or fallopian tube. In this state, the stabbing pain is short-term and mild, or the nagging sensation persists for a long time. Due to inflammation, weakness and fatigue appear, and mucous and purulent discharge is also possible.
- Endometriosis. The proliferation of endometrial cells is accompanied by nagging, sometimes stabbing pain, bloody periods and subsequent disruption of the menstrual cycle. When spreading to other organs, the pain radiates upward to the side, to the groin, lower back.
Unpleasant symptoms can develop in women with various gynecological disorders and infectious pathologies. To prevent dangerous consequences when stabbing pain occurs, it is important to contact a gynecologist.
Pain in the side after eating or exercising
Unpleasant one-sided sensations after eating are caused by the presence of inflammation of the stomach, duodenum, and parts of the hepatobiliary system. Also, pain on the right is one of the clinical manifestations of the initial stage of peptic ulcer disease.
Discomfort after physical activity causes:
- Irregular training (excessively intense and/or frequent exercise)
- Eating a large meal the night before
- Incorrect breathing technique during training
- Accumulation of lactic acid inside the muscles
- Fullness of the liver with blood
In all cases, it is advisable to review the training regimen and consult with a specialist. If, despite the adjustments made, the pain recurs, you should definitely undergo an examination. The presence of an inflammatory and/or tumor process cannot be ruled out. With the progression of such, physical activity is not the cause, but an indicator of the pathological process. It confirms the presence of a disorder in the body.
Features of pain localization
Unpleasant sensations may arise in one area or another. Depending on this, the presence of some kind of disease is assumed.
Namely:
- Pain on the side or in the abdomen is characteristic of diseases of the colon.
- The appendix can make itself felt anywhere in the abdominal region, it depends on the direction of the appendix. In this case, the localization may change if this process unfolds. The nature of the pain is burning, bursting.
- Discomfort in the iliac region indicates problems in the pelvis or peritoneal area. The patient may be worried about endometriosis, perforation of an ulcer, diseases of the urinary system, helminthiasis, inflammation of the intestines, pathological processes in the uterus or appendages, aneurysm, thrombosis, embolism, oncology or cysts in this area.
- Unpleasant sensations in the front (in the chest area) indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiac system. In heart failure, the liver becomes significantly enlarged and heaviness occurs; with an abdominal infarction, blood pressure drops sharply, pallor, and a burning sensation in the rib area are noted.
- Pain below the ribs is an indicator of liver damage. Nausea is often present. They can give off unpleasant sensations to the scapular area, neck, and back. A ruptured cyst in this organ is manifested by increased pain and may move slightly downwards.
- Side discomfort is characteristic of cirrhosis. It usually burns in the waist area, sometimes radiating to the back.
- Pain in the back (in the back) is observed with osteochondrosis, impaired blood circulation in the hollow arteries and veins, kidney diseases, in particular with urolithiasis, pyelonephritis. As the stone moves, the location of the discomfort changes. Osteochondrosis manifests itself as shooting pain from top to bottom.
- When cholecystitis becomes chronic, pain occurs behind and under the ribs. It makes itself known by weakness, dizziness, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and loss of appetite.
- With intercostal neuralgia, the entire area of the right hypochondrium becomes numb.
Dull discomfort is observed with hepatitis, cirrhosis, formations in the liver, adrenal glands, cholangitis, cholecystitis, colitis, diverticulitis. Heaviness on the side occurs with liver edema, hepatitis, dyskinesia, cholecystitis.
After physical activity, injections can be made if the patient suffers from cirrhosis, hepatitis, thrombosis, liver congestion, myositis, intercostal neuralgia, or osteochondrosis.
After eating, rumbling and discomfort above and below the peritoneum can occur in people with chronic pathologies of the intestines, bladder, and liver. This phenomenon is due to the activation of peristalsis with an increase in the rate of secretion and movement of bile secretion at the time of food intake.
In addition, nausea, belching, sometimes diarrhea, and constipation are often encountered.
Dull pain is characteristic of cholecystitis, sharp pain is characteristic of colitis, dysbiosis, tingling with dyskinesia, gallstones.
Which doctor should I contact?
Initially, you should visit a therapist. A general practitioner will conduct an examination, question you, and prescribe an examination. Based on the diagnostic results and established pathology, it will become clear who will treat the patient:
- If the deterioration in health is caused by problems with the intestines, gall bladder or liver, a gastroenterologist deals with the therapy.
- When pain is caused by neuralgia, it is advisable to contact a neurologist.
- If right-sided discomfort is caused by cholelithiasis, appendicitis, pancreatitis, the patient is treated by a surgeon.
- If pain is associated with dysfunction of the right lung, therapy is prepared and supervised by a pulmonologist.
Pain in the right side of the body that occurs in pregnant women suggests an unscheduled visit to the observing gynecologist. If it is impossible to visit a gastroenterologist, but it is definitely established that the source of pain is the gastrointestinal tract, treatment is carried out by a therapist.
Why does the lower abdomen on the right side sting in men?
Men, just like women, can suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, digestive disorders, and urolithiasis. However, representatives of the stronger sex are more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than representatives of the weaker sex. This is due both to the anatomical characteristics of the male body and to the excessive physical stress that men often have to endure. In addition, in men, pain may radiate to the right lower abdomen due to pathological processes in the prostate and bladder. Pain in the lower abdomen on the right may be due to stretching of the abdominal wall muscles after sports training and weight lifting.
Diagnostics
Initially, the specialist interviews and examines the patient. Receives information about previous pathologies, allergies to certain medications, and the presence of similar problems in family members. To clarify the clinical picture, the following types of examination are prescribed:
- Analysis of blood, urine, feces (biochemical, clinical, bacteriological)
- Ultrasound of an organ suspected of dysfunction
- X-ray examination of ribs, spine
- MRI and CT (prescribed if necessary to determine the degree of blood supply to tissues, tumor size, spectrum of inflammatory, destructive process)
- FGDS
- Fluorography
Additional types of examination depend on the suspected disease, which, according to the doctor, causes pain in the right side under the ribs.
Does pain always mean illness?
Most people who have had to run quite a bit start to feel a stabbing sensation in the right side. This feeling always accompanies active physical activity and jogging in “unaccustomed” people. Physical rehabilitation specialists explain this by a sharp increase in blood circulation with the release of “spare” blood volumes into the bloodstream. The most blood-supplied organ is the liver, which instantly senses an increase in load. Blood flows to the gland, increasing its size. Stretching the liver capsule provokes a stabbing sensation.
You can eliminate them simply by stopping. Within a few minutes the discomfort will disappear. A good way to get rid of the sensation without stopping running is to press on the right hypochondrium with your palms, and then quickly release. This way a person will physically help the gland get rid of excess blood volume.
After running, the stabbing sensation quickly passes and does not appear in any way at rest. If pain appears after running and does not disappear within half an hour, this is a reason to visit a doctor.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the identified pathology, and the type of intervention (conservative or surgical) depends on the stage of the disease at the time of contacting the doctor.
Osteochondrosis is eliminated with chondroprotectors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs that reduce swelling. For cholecystitis, medications are prescribed that are aimed at improving the flow of bile. Inflammatory processes occurring inside the digestive tract and kidneys are treated with antibiotics, probiotics, vitamins and enzymes.
If the condition is accompanied by dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting), administration of Cerucal is indicated. Pyelonephritis involves the use of uroseptics, among other medications. Intercostal neuralgia is treated comprehensively - with drugs that reduce tone and stop muscle inflammation, rubbing, and vitamins. Appendicitis is an indication for immediate surgical intervention. Acute pancreatitis is treated with surgery; a protracted form of inflammation requires drug therapy.
Pneumonia is eliminated through antibiotic therapy and expectorants. In all cases except appendicitis, the patient is administered analgesics. In case of inflammation of the appendix, preliminary anesthesia (we are not talking about anesthesia) is prohibited. Reduced sensitivity makes differential diagnosis difficult. The pain that occurs during pregnancy can be reduced by adopting a more comfortable body position and using special support bandages.
Effective treatment methods
For the treatment of pathologies such as peritonitis or ectopic pregnancy, there are no other methods other than surgery. If stabbing pain is combined with fever, discomfort in other parts of the abdomen, vomiting and bowel irregularities, it is better not to delay calling an ambulance.
In other cases, for example, with enteritis or hepatitis, drug therapy is prescribed. It is also used during the recovery period after operations:
- take antibiotics against inflammation;
- NSAIDs and antispasmodics are used to relieve pain;
- to normalize microflora, drink probiotics;
- Diuretics are used to treat the kidneys and urinary system.
Also, for successful treatment, it is important to follow other rules - engage in physical therapy as prescribed by a doctor and follow a strict diet.
Ivanova Svetlana
General practitioner of the second category, transfusiologist, 29 years of experience
Diagnosis and treatment of problems with the musculoskeletal system (lower leg) and abdomen.
- pain and discomfort in the abdomen;
- bruises and injuries of the lower leg;
- cough, chest pain;
- acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
- food poisoning;
- cold;
- runny nose;
- general malaise;
- headache;
- aching joints;
- elevated temperature.
Prevention
To prevent the development of pathology that causes right-sided pain under the ribs, you should:
- Stop drinking alcohol, moderate the amount of medications you take (do not take painkillers at the slightest need).
- Normalize nutrition. Make a diet taking into account the harm of excessive amounts of fatty, smoked, spicy foods.
- Avoid hypothermia or prolonged stay in a constant, uncomfortable position.
- Lead an active lifestyle. If bed rest is necessary (for example, in case of disability), caregivers should encourage the patient to regularly change the patient's body position.
- Pregnant women are not recommended to ignore the use of a bandage if this recommendation comes from the observing gynecologist. It should also be taken into account that the period of gestation is not a reason for chaotic nutrition: you need to adhere to a balanced diet.
Despite the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, excessive loads should be avoided so as not to provoke sprains and rupture of muscle fibers. Oncological neoplasms arise, among other things, due to hereditary predisposition. Therefore, people in the so-called risk group should undergo regular preventive examinations.
Types of pain
If colic occurs in the lower right abdomen, it is worth paying attention to the character, which is what doctors take into account during the first examination and making an accurate diagnosis. If pain:
It is worth listening carefully to the pain, because its nature and duration often indicate the development of a particular disease in the body.
Lower abdominal pain
Acute appendicitis becomes a common source of pain in the lower part of the right side of the abdomen. It is in this area that stabbing unpleasant pains are localized. They are accompanied by nausea, chills, weakness and stomach heaviness.
Often, first there is a tingling sensation in the right side of the lower abdomen, and then an intestinal disorder occurs in the form of diarrhea, and the body temperature rises. Inflamed appendicitis can only be treated with surgery. You cannot self-medicate at home. Apart from surgery, there are no other options for pain relief.
Another pathology that manifests itself as colic in the right side of the abdomen is cholecystitis. This is an inflammatory process of the gallbladder, often caused by excessive consumption of spicy foods and fats. Colic can radiate sharply to the shoulder joint and under the shoulder blade. Also with acute cholecystitis there is a urge to vomit, severe nausea, fever and belching with a bad odor. To prevent the gallbladder from festering, medical attention is required. If drug treatment does not help, surgery will be required.
When does your lower right side still tingle?
From physical activity
Tingling in the right side usually after severe physical exertion, especially after a long run, during pregnancy. In the latter case, a lack of physical fitness leads to pain syndrome. Blood flows strongly to the muscles and organs in the lower abdomen during sports activities. The liver, gall bladder and spleen are under stress and hurt. For the discomfort to go away, you just need to pause and rest.
It often tingles in the right side of pregnant women, especially in the last trimester, when the baby quickly gains weight. The baby presses with part of his body on nearby organs, the gallbladder, duodenum and liver. The result is heartburn and painful tingling sensations.
These physiological sources of pain do not indicate damage to a specific organ. In some cases, when a symptom appears frequently, sometimes unbearably, and there are other indications of pathology, examination and medical assistance are required.
Why might my right side hurt at night?
One of the key causes of pain in the right side, which occurs at night, is considered to be distention of the gallbladder. At night, when the body is in a horizontal position, the outflow of bile from the gallbladder is complicated and because of this, excessive accumulation of fluid occurs in the organ.
Pain at night
Pain caused by appendicitis may also occur at night. As a rule, pain is felt in the upper abdomen and gradually “falls” down. The patient feels a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, nausea, and his temperature rises.
Discomfort in the abdomen
The cause of overeating should not be excluded for night pain. If you had a heavy dinner with fatty, high-calorie and heavy food before going to bed, then you shouldn’t be surprised that you have pain in your stomach.
For relief, you should drink a drug that improves digestion and remember for the future that dinner should be as light as possible and after it is completed there should be 2-3 hours of activity, not sleep.
If it stings under the ribs, what does it mean?
In rare cases, the symptom is considered normal. Regardless of the reason, when there is a stabbing sensation in the right side under the ribs, this is already a deviation. The pain can be acute, sharp, paroxysmal or constant, nagging. In any case, if it stings under the rib, only a doctor will determine what it could be.
The abdominal cavity contains vital organs that can cause colic in the right side:
- hepatobiliary system;
- pancreas;
- section of the duodenum;
- bend of the large intestine;
- right adrenal gland and kidney.
Disease of the duodenum, or duodenitis, is one of the reasons for stabbing in the right side at the level of the navel. Colic near the navel on the right side indicates obstruction of the small intestine, poor circulation, hernias, and enzyme deficiency.
Front
Each organ has its own pain symptoms. Acute attacks are typical for inflammation, injuries, and hematomas. The chronic course is accompanied by dull, aching pain. They can appear and disappear for years. Pain in the right side is caused by the following pathologies:
More often this is an acutely developing process. Cutting spasms in the right side are caused by the release of toxins during inflammation, the formation of stones or their movement along the bile ducts. Dyspeptic disorders, nausea, belching, and vomiting appear.
Pain under the ribs in the front radiates to the shoulder, which is typical when there is poor circulation. With angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, it can cause severe stinging and burning in the rib area. The blood pressure drops sharply, the heart rhythm is disturbed, and the patient turns pale.
Behind
If it stings in the back under the ribs, the underlying cause lies in the pathology of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is characterized by a stabbing, cutting pain. Stitches on the right side from the back with osteochondrosis of the spine, tumors of the chest and gastrointestinal tract.
The same signs appear with intercostal neuralgia and diseases of the adrenal glands. If there is a stabbing sensation on the right side under the scapula while inhaling, it is necessary to exclude thrombosis of the inferior vena cava.
Diagnosis of pain
Diagnostic measures begin with a physical examination and questioning of the patient.
When making a diagnosis, the following are taken into account:
- nature and intensity, course of pain syndrome;
- its localization;
- general medical history of the patient;
- the patient’s behavior during the activation of unpleasant sensations;
- additional symptoms and their manifestations;
- whether the patient is taking any medications.
Hardware imaging methods are used as a differential diagnostic tool:
- X-ray;
- Ultrasound – gynecology, urology, intestines are examined;
- MRI – to exclude diverticulitis, diagnose neoplasms of various types, hernias and tumors of the spine, changes in the articular heads of the hip joint;
- laparoscopic and general abdominal diagnostic surgical interventions.
An x-ray will be needed to identify the cause of the pain.
A number of tests will be required to make a diagnosis. At the first stage, these are general clinical tests of urine, blood, feces for worm eggs, scraping for enterobiasis, smears of vaginal and urethral discharge, sampling of prostate juice. Based on the results of the initial samples, the doctor decides on the need for additional research.
What to do when there is pain in the side due to appendicitis?
But let's return to appendicitis. You should not give up this idea right away. If you feel pain in your right side in the lower abdomen, it is best to check everything carefully and clearly. And it’s even better if you find a window in your busy work schedule to go to the clinic and visit a specialist who has not in vain spent many years studying and studying all the symptoms of various diseases. And he is the professional in these matters! It is the doctor who, after listening to your complaints and conducting all the necessary examinations, will make a correct and correct diagnosis.
The appendix is a very serious diagnosis that should be ignored not just to the detriment of oneself, but to the detriment of one’s existence, one’s life. You can brush these words aside and try to make a diagnosis yourself. This is quite possible, but you should not tempt fate, because there are people who lost this battle with guesses and paid for it with the most valuable things.
When to call an ambulance for pain in the right side?
- So if you have:
- dull aching pain in the right side;
- pain that persists for a long time (a time period of about 12 hours or more) hurts the right side in the lower abdomen;
- if you can specifically and accurately point with your finger to the place where the pain is concentrated or the pain is localized in the navel area
Immediately contact an ambulance (03, now 103) and see a doctor. And don’t be afraid, because it’s good for you and your body.
So, if the pain in the right side of the abdomen does not stop, but only intensifies over time, after a maximum of 30 minutes you should definitely consult a doctor or call an ambulance. You should not kill the pain by taking strong painkillers, which may interfere with establishing a real diagnosis and correctly adjusting the treatment. In addition, you should not delay too long the moment of seeking help from experienced specialists, because this symptom can affect such important organs as the liver and kidneys, as well as the gallbladder.
You should also call an ambulance if:
- after 35 minutes the right side of the abdomen hurts and does not subside;
- a feeling of bitterness appears in the mouth and severe vomiting begins;
- pain is accompanied by increased body temperature;
- pain in the side increases while walking;
- pain in the lower abdomen is accompanied by mild fainting and weakness;
- if the pain in the right side of the lower abdomen radiates to the lumbar region, and signs of blood appear in the urine;
- the right side of the abdomen aches and hurts, which negatively affects the overall health of a person.
Localization and nature of pain
To determine damage, the side is visually divided into 3 parts horizontally:
- Subcostal;
- Lateral;
- Ileum;
Pain may also be felt from the back or abdomen.
Having decided on the location of the pain syndrome, the specialist must find out from the patient its nature and strength. Below we will consider which diseases are characterized by which pain and in what location they are located.
Pain under the ribs (front and side)
Pain in the right hypochondrium is caused by organs such as the right lung, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines and diaphragm. Among other things, discomfort is caused by a disorder of the nervous system or can radiate from diseases of the heart, pelvic organs or spine. Pain in the right hypochondrium can occur due to excessive physical stress on the body.
If the discomfort intensifies during palpation, this may indicate inflammation in a sluggish course. In this case, the pain is characterized as acute and very strong. Let's consider the main diseases that provoke pain in the right hypochondrium:
Gallbladder diseases
- Cholecystitis
occurs due to inflammation of the gallbladder, which results in a burning, sharp pain in the right side. Also, discomfort may be on the right side of the back and near the spine. Patients complain of cramping pain. They feel bloating, increased gas formation, and constipation. - Gallstone disease
is formed as a result of the deposition of bile pigments, from which stones are formed. In this case, some patients feel severe pain in the right side and back, nausea, heaviness, while others do not experience any symptoms. - Biliary dyskinesia is
a complex disorder of the biliary system that occurs as a result of the development of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.), poor diet, the appearance of worms, and injuries. It appears in two forms - hyperkinetic, i.e. contraction of the gallbladder occurs too actively, which causes short-term sharp pain in the right hypochondrium, and hypokinetic, which consists in weak contraction of the gallbladder, in which a person feels prolonged dull pain, often of a bursting or pressing nature. The basis of treatment is diet.
Pancreatic diseases
Pain on the right side occurs only when there are problems with the head of the pancreas; in other cases, characteristic sensations occur in the left hypochondrium.
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benign or malignant tumor As it increases, it compresses neighboring organs, so patients feel pain in the right hypochondrium and in the back, and there is also increased sweating, sleep disturbance, and general malaise. The causes may be different. The disease develops with a genetic predisposition, after viral diseases. Also a consequence of strong impacts. - Pancreatitis
, being a strong inflammatory process, provokes sharp or throbbing pain in the right side, which often radiates to the back and left hypochondrium, i.e. are encircling in nature. Diarrhea, belching, and flatulence also often appear, accompanied by general malaise, weakness, and disturbances in appetite and sleep. Patients experience an increase in temperature to 38° and blood pressure. Treatment consists of drug therapy.
Liver diseases
- If the right side hurts under the rib, then this phenomenon may be a consequence of liver cirrhosis
. Unpleasant sensations radiate to the lower abdomen, may be from the back, and intensify when pressed. In this case, there is a strong enlargement of the mammary glands, reduction of the testicles, loss of body weight, dystrophy, and varicose bleeding. - Another reason why the right side hurts may be the presence of hepatitis
. In this case, patients experience yellowing of the skin, darkening of urine and lightening of stool, and fever.
In addition, most liver diseases cause heaviness in the right side, since the damaged organ fills with blood and swells, thereby stretching its capsule, which is equipped with a large number of pain receptors.
Intestinal diseases
- Appendicitis
occurs due to inflammation of the appendix and manifests itself in the form of sharp, cramping pains that can be localized not only on the right, but also felt from the back, near the spine. This causes dry mouth and general malaise. The disease requires immediate surgical intervention. - Diseases of the small intestine
include a wide range of diseases and the causes that cause them, but almost all have very similar manifestations - patients complain of frequent diarrhea with remnants of undigested food, rumbling, bloating, as well as nagging, aching, bursting pain, often localized to the right of the navel or in the epigastric region. - A duodenal ulcer occurs due to poor nutrition, weakened immunity, active reproduction of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in the stomach, frequent stress, and taking hormonal medications. With this disease, severe pain appears in the right hypochondrium or above the navel, mainly on an empty stomach, incl. at night time. Pain is often felt under the shoulder blades or in the heart area. Patients also complain of belching, heartburn, nausea, and bloating. Treatment consists of following a diet and taking medications; in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Diaphragm diseases
- The hernia
provokes sharp pain in the right side. Due to the weakening of the ligamentous apparatus and the appearance of protrusion under the skin, migration of internal organs occurs. Patients cannot fully move or exercise. In most cases, the disease requires mandatory surgical intervention. - Diaphragmatitis
is a severe inflammation of the diaphragm that occurs as a result of the penetration of pathogenic organisms through the blood or lymph flow; the disease can also become a complication of inflammatory processes occurring in the lungs, liver, and abdominal cavity. It provokes sharp pain on the right side and disrupts the active contraction of the diaphragm. Patients feel unwell, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. - A tumor,
especially a malignant one
,
is a fairly rare disease for this organ. A feeling of heaviness in the chest and lack of air, shortness of breath and other unpleasant symptoms, incl. pain in the right hypochondrium appears when the tumor reaches a large size. In the initial stages, it can be detected by chance during X-ray examinations. Treatment is only surgical.
Diseases of the right lung
- Cancer
is a malignant disorder of the epithelium of lung tissue. Has weak pain sensitivity in the peripheral areas of the right lung, which do not have any pain receptors. Symptoms include expectoration of blood, a slight increase in temperature to 37.2°, sudden weight loss, bad breath, cough, and fatigue. - Pleurisy
is an inflammatory process. Affects the serous membrane. Characterized by strong cutting discomfort in the chest on the right. Patients have increased coughing and difficulty breathing. - Pneumonia
is an acute infection of the lungs. Refers to infectious and inflammatory diseases. When the right lung is affected, the pain is usually localized in the right hypochondrium, but it can also have a girdling character. Patients' temperature rises to 39°, they begin to suffer from chills, shortness of breath and weakness.
Pain under the ribs at the back
Pain in the right hypochondrium from the back can be provoked by improper gymnastic exercises, fitness, and the consequences of surgical intervention cannot be excluded. Acute pain can signal damage to organs that occurs not only as a result of injuries, blows, knife wounds, but also due to internal high blood pressure and other pathologies that pose a threat to life. That is why, when the first symptoms appear, you need to consult a specialist.
Dull, aching or dagger-sharp pain develops with intercostal neuralgia
, in which compression of the intercostal nerves occurs. In order not to feel pain, a person begins to skew to the healthy side, as a result, the intercostal spaces begin to stretch and the pressure that irritates the nerve endings decreases. Also, with this disease, the patient may experience increased sweating, painful muscle contractions, and changes in the shade of the skin.
Under the ribs on the back side there are kidneys. Diseases associated with this organ often have aching and dull pain:
- Urolithiasis
is a urological disease characterized by the formation of stones in the urinary system. When they move or change body position or exercise, a dull or nagging pain may occur in the right side. But acute cramping already indicates a serious complication - closure of the urinary duct with a stone.
- Pyelonephritis
is an infectious kidney disease. It is formed due to bacteria entering the body through the urinary tract. It manifests itself as nausea, high fever, painful sensations of a dull, pulling nature, aggravated by deep breathing, palpation and tapping.
Pain at waist level
The reasons that cause pain at the waist level can be very different - from an unbalanced diet, which results in increased gas formation, causing discomfort on the side of the intestines, to serious problems with the spine or the genitourinary system.
Here are just a few diseases that can cause such pain:
- Dorsopathy
refers to a group of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spinal column and surrounding tissues caused by malnutrition, increased stress or injury. Patients experience a nagging or aching pain in the right side, less often they describe the nature of the sensation as shooting. There may also be tingling of the skin, weakening and thinning of muscles. The disease can affect any part of the spine, but most often the lumbar spine is affected. Massages, exercise therapy, and physiotherapy will help get rid of the disease. - Protrusion
is a complication of osteochondrosis, in which only the inner part of the fibrous ring surrounding the intervertebral disc is damaged. Most often, this pathology occurs in the lumbar region, so pain appears from the back at the waist level and below. Chronic pain and tingling in the legs, weakness of the thigh muscles, and, in rare cases, urinary problems may also occur. Treatment includes drug therapy and physical therapy. - Cystitis
occurs when the bladder, or more precisely its mucous membrane, becomes inflamed as a result of the penetration of pathogenic organisms into it through the urethra. The disease is characterized by painful, frequent urination, sometimes with blood. There are also burning, stabbing pains in the perineum and in the area of the bladder in the acute form, and constant, aching pain at the waist level in front and behind in the chronic form. The basis of treatment is antibiotics to kill the infection that caused the disease.
Lower abdominal pain
This symptom can occur with many diseases of the pelvic organs, abdominal cavity, and urinary tract; therefore, in order to determine how life-threatening it is, one must focus on the nature of the pain, the speed of its occurrence, and additional symptoms. For example:
- acute, sharp, sudden pain
can indicate a rupture or torsion of an organ, this problem is especially common with the ovary in women, blockage of the urinary or biliary tract by a stone, intestinal obstruction, and if a state of shock is still observed, the person loses consciousness, tachycardia appears , then intra-abdominal bleeding can be assumed. All these conditions require urgent surgical care. - a slight constant aching or dull pain
usually indicates the beginning of inflammatory processes, circulatory disorders, exacerbation of chronic diseases, so you should not delay going to the doctor in order to find out the causes of these unpleasant sensations as soon as possible. - periodic pain
, i.e. either suddenly appearing or subsiding may indicate inflammation of the appendix, and if this type of pain is observed in a child and is accompanied by vomiting and increased gas formation, then intestinal volvulus can be suspected. In both cases, immediate surgery is required, otherwise death may occur.
Pain after eating
Eating accelerates the secretion and movement of bile, increases blood flow to the liver and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. Therefore, food provokes pain in pathologies of the liver, gall bladder, and intestines.
In this case, the nature of the pain can be different: nausea and dull pain are characteristic of cholecystitis, sharp pain of a spastic nature accompanies colitis and intestinal dysbiosis, stabbing pain accompanies biliary dyskinesia or cholelithiasis.
Feeling of fullness as a symptom of digestive system disease
A feeling of fullness in the left hypochondrium or in the same area, but on the right, will very rarely be the only symptom in the clinical picture. This is only possible if it develops against the background of completely harmless reasons.
In the vast majority of situations, such discomfort is the first symptom, against the background of which a concomitant clinical picture develops, completely corresponding to the provoking disease.
It follows from this that the symptomatic picture will be individual for each person. Nevertheless, clinicians identify a number of signs that are observed in almost all cases.
The expansion under the ribs can be supplemented by:
- feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach;
- an increase in the size of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity;
- pain syndrome of varying severity;
- rumbling in the stomach;
- flatulence;
- periodic nausea, which is not followed by vomiting;
- disruption of the bowel movement process;
- fatigue and weakness;
- decreased or complete lack of appetite, which is most common in children, since the described symptom can occur after eating;
- increased blood tone and temperature;
- heartburn and belching;
- weight loss;
- increased sweating;
- headaches and dizziness.
In cases of liver damage, the following may also appear:
- yellowness of the skin, visible mucous membranes and sclera;
- bitter taste in the mouth;
- frequent mood changes;
- severe skin itching;
- darkening of urine;
- discoloration of feces;
- coating of the tongue with a coating that has a white or yellowish tint.
In case of kidney pathologies, accompanying symptoms will be presented:
- irradiation of pain to the lumbar region;
- severe swelling;
- increased urge to empty the bladder;
- pale skin;
- decreased blood tone;
- pain and stinging when urinating;
- nausea without vomiting;
- high body temperature;
- general malaise and fatigue.
The appearance of the main external manifestation should be an impetus for seeking qualified help, especially for children. Otherwise, the risks of developing undesirable consequences are high. Death cannot be ruled out either.
Regularly occurring unpleasant sensations of heaviness and pain on the right side of the body can occur for several reasons. The nature of such manifestations depends on their origin.
Physiological
Symptoms usually appear during intense sports or during physically demanding work. In these cases, the severity and pain are short-term.
They arise due to the fact that high load activates blood flow. The hepatic veins become overfilled, causing bloating and heaviness in the liver area. Its fibrous membrane has many nerve endings and pain receptors. When it stretches, it causes pain.
Nutrition
Pain after eating, belching and bloating can occur when consuming large amounts of alcohol or fatty foods highly saturated with spices. The causes of such symptoms are malfunctions of the liver, gall bladder, and gastrointestinal tract, which arise as a result of overeating and drinking alcohol.
If your right side regularly hurts, the reason most likely lies in pathological changes in the internal organs. The manifestation of unpleasant painful sensations, in this case, is of two types - constant sluggish or periodic acute. There are many diseases that can cause heaviness in the right side or hypochondrium.
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In most cases, the described symptom indicates pathological processes in the digestive organs. This is primarily due to their localization. It should be taken into account that the nature of pain in different diseases may differ.
Diagnosis of pathology
- Cholecystitis. Accompanied by deterioration of patency in the biliary tract due to stones. Stagnation of bile develops, which leads to a decrease in the motor activity of the organ. Patients experience short-term but severe stabbing pain, which can intensify with stress on the body.
- Duodenitis. With the disease, stabbing pain on the right side often occurs. The disease manifests itself as a result of exposure to Helicobacter pylori infection. A feature of duodenitis is that symptoms most often appear at night. The disease is characterized by bloating, a feeling of heaviness, and fever.
- Renal colic. Accompanied by stabbing pain in the right hypochondrium. A distinctive characteristic is the intense nature of the pain syndrome, in which it becomes almost unbearable. The occurrence is associated with the entry of stones into the urinary system, which provokes damage to the mucous membranes.
- Pancreatitis. Such a disease may be indicated by throbbing pain with a feeling of fullness. In the future, the pain may become shingles. The appearance of such symptoms indicates the need for hospitalization and further surgical treatment.
- Hepatitis. It is accompanied by aching pain and a feeling of fullness, which may periodically disappear, but then reappear. The degree of manifestation of the disease depends on how active the viral organisms that provoke it are. Patients experience constant weakness, hyperthermia, and jaundice.
- Cirrhosis of the liver. If a feeling of fullness appears on the right side, the possibility of cirrhosis should not be excluded. The appearance of pain indicates a late stage of pathology, that is, the death of a significant number of hepatocides. Because of this, the liver is unable to function normally, which leads to a number of secondary disorders.
Thus, in the overwhelming majority of cases, a feeling of fullness in the right hypochondrium is evidence of damage to the digestive organs.
Pathologies of the genital area
Many diseases of the genital area cause tingling in the right side in the lower abdomen. These include:
- adnexitis - the process of inflammation of the fallopian tubes and appendages; can be one-sided, appears after hypothermia at a young age;
- ovarian cysts – caused by hormonal imbalances; if the case is serious, the cysts are removed through surgery, and the pain only then goes away; large cysts can burst and cause internal bleeding and severe pain; in such a situation, urgent hospitalization of the patient is required;
- salpingitis - the process of inflammation of the uterine tube; this happens due to pathological microflora, as well as after injuries or abortions; pain intensifies in the toilet and during sexual intercourse;
- endometritis is a process of inflammation of the uterine epithelium as a result of hormonal imbalances, infection and hypothermia; both nagging pain and fever, general intoxication, and discharge are observed;
- endometriosis is a non-inflammatory disease in which the uterine mucosa grows onto neighboring organs; hormonal disorders and bleeding are diagnosed; on the right side there is pain that is transmitted to the pelvic area.
Sometimes it tingles in the right side under the ribs.
Paroxysmal and prolonged pain
The tingling pain can be paroxysmal or prolonged, as if something is stabbing from the inside with a dull thin tip. This indicates a pathological focus with inflammation of the gallbladder, advancement of a stone in the kidney and appendicitis. Painful sensations often intensify when bending and turning the body, with active movements, coughing, and sighing.
If there is not just a tingling sensation in the right side of the abdomen, but additional signs appear, immediate medical attention is required. Pain syndrome may be associated with:
- heat;
- vomit;
- stool disorder;
- nausea;
- difficulty urinating;
- yellowness of the whites and mucous membranes of the eyes;
- excessive irritability;
- general malaise;
- unpleasant burning sensation when urinating and in the lower part of the peritoneum.
In any case, isolated pain in the right side should be a reason to seek help from a doctor.
It happens that there is a tingling sensation in the lower right side.
Why does the right side under the ribs hurt?
In addition to injuries, discomfort can be a consequence of an inflammatory process in the following organs:
- in the gallbladder;
- in the adrenal gland;
- in the right lung;
- in the pancreas;
- in the upper intestines.
During pregnancy, women may also experience pain on the right side under the ribs. This is due to the process of fetal growth, which compresses the organs inside.
Also, for example, when there is inflammation in the gallbladder, its walls thicken and it enlarges. The outflow of bile from it slows down, which leads to expansion of the organ. The gallbladder begins to put pressure on the liver, and it, accordingly, on the ribs. In this case, a dull, aching pain occurs that intensifies with movement.
What to do if there is pain in the right side?
Of course, you really want to figure out what it is?... We are very smart and already trained people, we don’t trust doctors and going to the clinic, or rather, we simply don’t have time for this in the current intense rhythm of life. So we often look for answers to the question “why does it hurt in the side”, where it will happen and how it will work out. Family and friends can give you advice, or the internet can give you some advice. But…
Having initially felt pain on the right side and after some time, if the pain does not subside, do you need to determine what the nature of the PAIN that has appeared and disrupted your usual life is? There is pain in the upper abdomen or in the lower. The pain in the right side can be acute (with any movement there is a sudden feeling of pain, as if cutting with a knife) or dull (prolonged, constant aching pain). Pain in the right side of the abdomen can occur in both the upper right part and the lower right part of the abdomen.
You need to determine all this not in order to self-medicate, but in order to competently and thoroughly answer the doctor’s questions. It is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own when pain occurs.
If the described pain occurs, you should contact a gastroenterologist, surgeon, or infectious disease specialist. Women should make an appointment with a gynecologist. If you suspect acute abdomen syndrome, you must call an ambulance. You should also remember that before a medical examination, if you have pain in the right side, you should not take any painkillers - in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis!
Causes of symptoms
A feeling of stabbing below the ribs may be a consequence of eating spicy, fried and fatty foods. After eating “hastily”, from overeating, frequent starvation diets. Abdominal pain periodically recurs after an injury.
When walking
The physiological symptom that occurs when walking is known to many people. When moving, it takes your breath away and stings under the rib in the right side. This usually happens in people with little training who lead a sedentary lifestyle. This is not a pathology. During physical activity, blood is redistributed, hemodynamic parameters change (blood pressure, the volume of blood passing through the vessels), which, together with other factors (for example, excess weight, atherosclerosis, venous diseases) leads to the appearance of pain.
When running
Under severe stress, significant changes occur in blood flow.
Muscles (primarily the lower extremities, abdomen, back) require more nutrition and increase in volume, which leads to increased blood flow to them. Arterial and venous pressure decreases. Taken together, these factors lead to a decrease, and in some cases, on the contrary, to an enlargement of the liver, which is why the right side hurts when running.
In addition, with prolonged exercise, the pressure of surrounding organs on the gallbladder may increase, which under certain conditions (sludge, stones, dyskinesia) can cause sharp and sudden pain.
When inhaling
A common symptom is pain in the right side when inhaling, and has many causes. Starting from a harmless spasm of the peritoneum during awkward movement, to serious diseases and neoplasms. Such symptoms are inherent in pathologies of the adrenal glands, as well as intercostal neuralgia. If it stings when inhaling on the right side under the scapula, rule out thrombosis of the inferior vena cava.
After load
Unpleasant sensations in the form of nagging or stabbing pain occur after physical exertion in people with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or congestive liver. After shaking or physical exertion, an attack of calculous cholecystitis may occur. Also, periodic pain during exercise appears in patients with myositis, intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, rib fractures, and vena cava thrombosis.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent the occurrence of a situation where the right side hurts in a child or an adult, no specific preventive measures have currently been developed. However, you can reduce the likelihood of such a problem by following a number of simple recommendations, including:
- complete cessation of bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- maintaining an active lifestyle;
- balanced diet;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- avoiding any injuries, bruises and wounds;
- modern diagnosis and treatment of the above pathological provoking factors, in which the clinic includes the described symptom (very often it develops with pneumonia, gastrointestinal and liver diseases);
- Regularly undergoing a full examination at the clinic.
The prognosis for pain arising on the right side of the body is often favorable. This is explained by the fact that it can be eliminated without problems using conservative therapeutic methods. However, it should be remembered that treatment will not be complete without eliminating the provoking sources. Otherwise, complications of the underlying disease may occur, which can lead to the death of the patient.
Causes of pain on the right side: possible diseases
On the side of the lower right rib are the gallbladder, liver, kidney with ureter, reproductive system and duodenum. Pain syndrome can cause neurological diseases. Only after undergoing a full examination by a specialist doctor will the source of pain be determined and treatment prescribed.
The causes of tingling in the right side are diseases:
- biliary tract;
- pyelonephritis;
- pleurisy;
- destruction of the hip joint;
- pathologies of the lymphatic system or veins;
- cholecystitis;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- pulmonary inflammation;
- gynecological
Kidney stones also cause tingling.
How to relieve pain?
In order to relieve pain, you can drink no-spa, but you should not abuse the painkiller - this will not make it possible to correctly determine the cause of the discomfort.
It is necessary to immediately call an ambulance if the patient exhibits the following symptoms:
- incessant vomiting;
- fainting and presyncope;
- delay or complete inability to urinate;
- the pain is acute, unbearable, lasts more than a few minutes (not attacks - spasms, characterized by cramping pain, but constant significant discomfort);
- uterine bleeding;
- blood in vomit, feces, urine;
- significant increase in body temperature (above 38.5°C);
- diarrhea or constipation lasting several days.
If there is pain in the right hypochondrium and the causes have been clarified, the question remains of what to do. The main thing that the patient should know is that under no circumstances should you self-medicate. Taking antispasmodics, analgesics and similar drugs significantly blurs the picture and complicates the doctor’s work.
First aid recipes widely circulated on the Internet are also ineffective, but also dangerous. Under no circumstances should you take alcohol tinctures, place heating pads on your stomach, etc.: for unknown reasons, this can cause death. The main thing the patient should do is consult a doctor. In this case, it is not necessary to go to the local police officer. In case of intense pain, you should contact an ambulance.
Treatment is almost always medicinal and includes taking analgesics, antispasmodics, diuretics, choleretic drugs, etc. These medications are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Surgical assistance is required in extreme, urgent cases, such as intestinal obstruction, perforated ulcers, etc. In all other cases, conservative therapy is indicated.