Pain on the right side of the body: What could it mean?
Pain on the right side is among the most common symptoms, as it can be due to many different things. Most of the time, it is not a serious problem, such as trauma to the rib cage or ribs, which can cause very intense pain.
Fortunately, though it is usually a little annoying, it does not cause any additional inconvenience and eventually disappears without leaving any secondary effects in its wake. However, this is not the only reason why we can suffer from this symptomatology. What other causes could be behind it?
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is among the most common diseases linked to pain on the right side, which is an inflammation of the appendix, a pouch that connects the colon and the lower right side of the abdomen. However, to identify it, it is also often accompanied by other complaints, such as a stomach ache in that area of the body, which usually starts around the navel or in the pit of the stomach, which is why at first it can be confused with a classic stomach ache, which throughout the day usually develops into a more continuous and intense pain.
Other signs of appendicitis include an inability to walk upright, as the damage can vary depending on the tilt of the belly; loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, or mild fever that may worsen as the disease progresses. If you notice such symptoms, do not hesitate to go to the nearest doctor as they require immediate attention.
Constipation
This is one of the least worrying causes, but it can also trigger severe pain on the right side. As is well known, constipation is a condition characterized by persistent difficulty in evacuating. A blockage that leads to pain and bloating in the abdomen, painful defecation and sometimes vomiting.
Fortunately, to alleviate this problem it is enough to increase the intake of liquids, especially water, and to give more emphasis to the diet of foods rich in fiber, as this nutrient is closely linked to intestinal transit.
Irritable bowel
Those with this problem suffer from diarrhea, gas or bloating, but also from localized discomfort or pain in the abdomen, which can be constant or alternate with calmer moments. As it is a disease that directly affects the intestine, it is often alleviated by changes in the patient’s eating routine, such as eating small meals several times a day, chewing slowly and avoiding foods that cause gas and flatulence, as well as those that are rich in carbohydrates. The ideal is to seek advice from a doctor.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones usually take several days or even weeks to form, so the patient is not aware of their presence until the first symptoms appear, including pain in the right side. Although the stone can be dissolved by drinking plenty of fluids or taking medication, it is important to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Other causes to consider
As we have seen above, there are many reasons behind pain on the right side of the body, in addition to those discussed throughout this article. This list also includes, among others:
– Pneumonia
– Gallbladder problems
– Inflammation of the pancreas
– Abdominal hernia
– Ovarian cysts
– Stomach ulcers
– Pancreatitis
– Food poisoning
– Lactose intolerance
– Crohn’s disease
– Gastroesophageal reflux.
Given this wide range of causes, it is natural to ask: how can we obtain a reliable and complete diagnosis? It is normal to focus mainly on how long the patient has been in pain, the symptoms that accompany it and the history that may have triggered the condition.
The treatment will also correspond to the origin of the problem. For example, if the pain is related to stomach pain, a lighter diet and increased fluid intake are the most common treatment. Hence the importance of consulting your doctor at the slightest sign of alarm.