Pain in the Right Side of the Body, Causes

If you are experiencing pain in the right side of the body, pinpointing the specific cause and naming the problem will not be easy as there is a wide variety of illnesses and health problems that manifest this symptom.  The right side of the body is host to many important organs and anatomical parts.  To wit, the right side of the lung, gallbladder, liver and pancreas, right kidney, right adrenal gland, right ureter, right part of the large intestine, duodenum, the appendix, muscles of the right abdomen, blood vessels on the right side of the abdomen, right ovary and right fallopian tube in females.  Many problems associated with these organs may bring pain in the right side of the body.

Listed below are some of the health conditions or problems that may bring about pain in the right side of the body.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis, or the inflammation of the appendix, causes abdominal pain that starts on the right side of the abdomen.  The pain begins manifesting itself as a minor tenderness that becomes severe as time passes.  Nausea and loss of appetite are other symptoms of appendicitis.  Surgery is required to treat this.  Read about appendicitis pain location and information

Inflammation of the lower right lung

Some cases of pneumonia will result to inflammation of the right lung, thus causing sharp pain in the right side of the body, specifically on the upper abdomen.  This is accompanied by colds and cough. Here is information on Legionnella pneumonia

Urinary tract infection

The pain it causes starts as a dull ache on the right back side that progressively increases in intensity. Other common symptoms of urinary tract infection are nausea, fever, burning and painful urination and constant pressure on the bladder. Find out difference between urinary tract infection and Interstitial Cystitis

Hernia

This condition also causes pain on the right back side, more localized on the lower back area.  It is better to seek medical help to prevent complications and unnecessary pain.  Hernia, and the pain it causes, can be rid of when the hernia is repaired through surgery.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Though this condition is characterized by right side back pain, the pain is more extensive and brings with it other symptoms such as gas, bloating, fatigue and nausea.  Irritable bowel syndrome may be alleviated by high fiber diet and increased intake of fluids.  Medications and other methods of treatment may be prescribed by your doctor.  When these methods prove effective in controlling IBS, the right side back pain will also be significantly reduced.

Biliary colic

This is a disease of the gall bladder in which stones are present within it.  This is characterized by severe pain in the right side of the body.  The severe pain that is felt first on the right side of the abdomen may last for hours.  The pain may also extend to other parts of the body.

Liver diseases

Hepatitis and other liver diseases cause pain on the right, upper areas of the abdomen.  The pain may vary from dull ache or discomfort to severe pain.  Liver disease can cause the liver to swell.  This, in turn, results to the distention of the surface and irritation of the liver, thus causing pain or tenderness.  Breathing may also be painful due to the severe pressure exerted on the diaphragm.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones, likewise, bring pain to the right side of the body, specifically on the stomach towards the groin area.  This is typified by cramp-like pain that is very intense and sharp, together with vomiting and nausea.

Rupture of cyst in ovary

When a cyst in the right ovary bursts, this will result to extreme pain in the abdominal region, extending to the thighs.  With this, vomiting and nausea are also experienced. Here is more information on cyst in ovary.

Ectopic pregnancy

Moderate to severe pain is felt on the lower abdomen in ectopic pregnancy.  If the ectopic pregnancy is on the right fallopian tube, pain in the right side of the body is felt.  Dizziness and vaginal bleeding are also manifestations of this problem.

Poor posture, poor diet, lack of exercise, injury

Our day-to-day, mundane activities can cause back pains, specifically on the right side.  Obesity, poor posture, heavy physical work, improper diet, imbalance of muscles and lack of exercise may lead to painful right back side.

Muscle cramps

Not every pain in the right side of the body is cause for alarm.  It could just be a minor problem such as muscle cramps caused by lifting of heavy weights or strenuous exercise.

If the pain in the right side of the body, however, lasts for days, it is recommended that you seek the help of a doctor.  The aforementioned health concerns are quite serious and should be addressed by medical professionals.  There is no article that is comprehensive enough to cover and discuss all the issues that could cause pain in the right side of the body; thus, it is wise to consult a medical expert who could shed light on your concerns.

Let us now look at pain in the left side of the body.