The first thing that is important to be clear is that pain in the right side has many causes, and the only way to determine what happens to us is to go to the doctor for a complete review. When the pain occurs with little intensity but frequently, it is advisable to go to our GP for a review. At the same time, if the discomfort is intense, increases movement to another area of the chest, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is essential to go to an emergency review. At FastlyHealwe, explain the causes of pain in the right side and in which cases it is necessary to visit a professional.
When to see a doctor for pain in the side
The pain on the right side can be due to many causes, many of them harmless, for example, when it occurs due to a muscle cramp, and more worrying because, in this area, several bodies might be having problems.
If the pain is sporadic and mild, it is essential to see our GP for a general check-up in which this situation is mentioned. However, there are cases in which the discomfort requires urgent attention, so you should go to a health center as soon as possible if:
- The pain in the side is persistent and does not decrease or increase after 24 to 48 hours.
- If the discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or chills.
- If you urinate with blood, you have a brown or reddish urination.
- If the pain occurs after a fall, blow, or bruise.
Muscle spasms
The muscle spasms or cramps in the abdomen are more common than you think. These small contractions can occur intermittently and should disappear after a few hours or a couple of days.
They can occur due to a muscle overload due to improper movement, excess weight during some physical activity or an inappropriate posture while sleeping or resting. If the discomfort increases or remains constant after 48 hours, it is recommended to visit a doctor.
Renal problems
When the pain in the right side also extends to the back area and is accompanied by significant symptoms such as high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and frequent and urgent urination, the cause of the discomfort may be a kidney problem. Conditions such as a kidney infection, kidney stones, or an abscess can cause these symptoms and warrant urgent medical attention.
Gastrointestinal conditions
Various intestinal problems and even conditions as common as gas or constipation can cause pain in the right side. Pathologies such as irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease, or colitis can generate significant abdominal inflammation, making the area feel sore, and part of the discomfort is perceived on the side.
If you suffer from any gastrointestinal problems and there are no other additional symptoms, some discomfort is likely derived from the primary pathology.
Back problems
Specific back problems such as degeneration of the vertebral discs or disc disease, hernias, arthritis in this area, or infections in the spine can cause pain in the lower back that could extend to the right side.
If, in addition to the discomfort, you have limitations in performing specific movements such as bending, sitting, or getting up, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Rib injuries
One of the causes of pain on the right side can be a fissure or fracture in the ribs caused by an intense trauma. If you have recently suffered a traffic accident, a fall, or a solid blow to the abdominal area, it is essential to check that your ribs are in good condition and that they have not suffered any injuries.
Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a virus caused by varicella-zoster in patients who have never had chickenpox. This virus remains inactive in the body until it manifests itself due to a weakening of the immune system, stress, or in patients older than 60 years, slightly more prone to these conditions.
It usually comes only on one side, with the discomfort that appears mainly in the nerves located in the thorax or lumbar, and is characterized by beginning with intermittent pain in the right or left side at the level of the ribs, depending on the affected nerve. The pain increases and other symptoms appear, such as general malaise, fever, and rashes in the area of the affected nerve.
Diagnosing this condition is essential to start treatment based on antivirals, analgesics, and other medications as soon as possible to improve the patient’s condition and guarantee a quick recovery.
Other causes of pain in the right side
- If the pain is in the lower abdomen on the right side, it could be appendicitis or, in the case of women, some condition in the ovaries.
- Problems with the liver
- Gallbladder or biliary disease.
If the discomfort does not stop and is accompanied by other symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a specialist.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.