Pain in the right hypochondrium from the side: causes of pain, treatment

Pain in the right hypochondrium from the side indicates a disruption in the work of the internal organs located on this side. It can be a symptom of pathology of infectious and other etiology. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the cause, based on the results of clinical studies.

What can provoke pain in the right hypochondrium

Pain syndrome rarely develops suddenly, even if there are health disorders that give similar symptoms.

This statement does not apply to exacerbation of organ diseases:

• digestive system;
• breathing;
• internal secretion;
• urogenital area;
• central nervous system.

Often it all starts with discomfort after eating, physical activity, and sexual intercourse.

Almost always pain is given by:

• trauma to the abdomen and chest area;
• profuse internal hemorrhage.

Chronic pathologies sharply remind of themselves in the phase of exacerbations, which more often occur in spring and autumn, but can appear after the transferred stress (both physical and emotional), as well as on the basis of changes in hormonal background. Often the cause of exacerbation and pain is a banal neglect of the advice and recommendations of the attending physician.

Features of localization of pain

Discomfort on the side, in the region of the lower border of the chest, it happens:

• closer to the abdominal surface;
• giving in the back.

In the first case, this indicates pathology:

• liver and gallbladder;
• stomach;
• upper intestines.

In the second, we can talk about such conditions as:

• dysfunction of the kidneys and adrenal glands (or just the right organs);
• osteochondrosis;
• problems with the inferior vena cava;
• cracks and fractures of the lower ribs on the right.

Table 1. The relationship between the localization of pain in the right hypochondrium from the side and possible pathology

Where does it hurt	What could mean
At the top and under the ribs	Hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis and other diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas
In the lower part	Ectopic pregnancy, adnexitis and other ovarian pathologies
Front and sideways to the right	Diseases of the stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas and gallbladder, inflammation of the diaphragm and lower lobe of the lung
Behind and gives to the side to the right	Pyelonephritis, osteochondrosis, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, vena cava pathology, rib injuries
Gives to the groin area	Acute appendicitis, adnexitis and intestinal pathology, inflammatory nature
Gives to the navel area	Helminthic invasions, giardiasis, duodenal ulcer

The nature of the pain

Pain discomfort is of a different nature and intensity:

• aching symptoms are typical for sluggish, chronic processes;
• dull, impulsive are with problems with the stomach and kidneys, inflammation of the gallbladder, osteochondrosis, traumatic bone injuries, neoplasms;
• acute, which cannot be tolerated, can talk about the development of extremely dangerous pathological conditions of various organs.

Occasionally, severe pain against the background of vomiting is a sign of pseudo-abdominal syndrome with:

• gastritis and myocardial infarction;
• pyelonephritis and pneumonia.

It carries no risks to life and is eliminated conservatively.

Severe discomfort and a feeling of heaviness under the ribs on the right side is a characteristic symptom:

• edema of the liver, for example, with hepatitis;
• developing cardiovascular failure;
• pathologies of the gallbladder.

Associated symptoms

Soreness in the right hypochondrium is rarely the only symptom of a health disorder. As a rule, there are others, which, in aggregate, form the clinical picture of pathology. These include:

• digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting and loose stools);
• signs of intoxication (hyperthermia, hyperhidrosis, decreased general tone and other manifestations);
• drowsiness and dizziness;
• changes in blood pressure indicators;
• blurred consciousness and fainting;
• pain and discomfort in the region of the heart, as well as a change in pulse;
• swelling and bleeding of the mucous membranes;
• yellowing of the skin and sclera;
• painful urination;
• hyperemia of the body and the presence of rashes;
• copious discharge from the external genital organs;
• respiratory distress, cough and other symptoms.

What does pain in the right hypochondrium from the side mean?

Most often, it signals the development of an acute form of pathology, which often turns into emergency conditions.

Gastrointestinal problems

Dysfunctions of the digestive system are very often manifested by a pain symptom in the area of ​​the right side and the lower border of the ribs.

Cholecystitis

This is an inflammation of the gallbladder due to:

• infectious lesion;
• the presence of calculi (sand and stones) in the organ.

Pathology can occur in acute or chronic form. Discomfort and pain under the ribs on the right are strong and cramping, but more often they are aching. The pain radiates to the iliac region. It can radiate to the lower back, right shoulder, and intensify after eating. Additionally, symptoms such as appear:

• bloating and constipation;
• bitterness and taste of metal in the mouth;
• belching.

Soon, signs of intoxication (fever, general weakness, and others) make themselves felt.

To eliminate pain, doctors recommend taking antispasmodic drugs and staying in bed. A complete treatment includes:

• strict diet;
• taking antibacterial agents;
• physiotherapy;
• spa treatment on mineral waters.

In some cases, according to indications, surgery may be recommended to remove stones or the entire gallbladder.

Cholelithiasis

Pathology in which stones form in the gallbladder and ducts. It can be a complication of conditions such as:

• chronic cholecystitis;
• endocrine system diseases;
• disorders of the nervous regulation of liver functions.

Gallstone disease is treated conservatively when the size of calculi does not exceed 1.5 cm in diameter. More often than not, the only possible method to save a person from suffering is surgery. This is due to the fact that large stones, dissolved to the state of sand, can form again.

Ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum

Pain in the hypochondrium on the right is typical for these pathologies. The increasing discomfort may not be due to food intake, but may occur:

• at night and on an empty stomach;
• after emotional and physical overload.

The clinical picture is complemented by:

• heartburn and belching;
• nausea and vomiting of sour masses;
• hyperthermia and increased heart rate;
• stool disorders.

The disease may be asymptomatic for some time, which complicates the diagnosis. In advanced and complicated forms, it is dangerous with internal bleeding and peritonitis.

Pancreatitis

A feeling of fullness and pulling pain in the hypochondrium on the right side is a typical sign of inflammation of the pancreas. Other symptoms of the disease, in its chronic stage, are:

• significant decrease in body weight;
• periodic bloating;
• digestive disorders;
• high fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome;
• discoloration of the skin: they can acquire a bluish or yellow tint.

Often, pancreatitis develops against the background of diabetes mellitus and liver pathologies. To prevent the acute form from becoming chronic, special therapy is required to relieve painful symptoms. It involves revising the diet and taking medications. In order for the period of remission to last as long as possible, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and, if possible, undergo a course of spa treatment.

What diet should be followed for pancreatitis, read in our article.

Hepatitis

Often the pain under the ribs on the right is caused by liver pathologies. The most common of these are different types of hepatitis. They can develop as a consequence:

• frequent and abundant alcoholic libations;
• taking certain medications;
• genetic predisposition;
• infectious lesion (viral, bacterial, fungal);
• other reasons.

In addition to pain in the hypochondrium, hepatitis is characterized by such phenomena as:

• itching of the skin;
• a feeling of fullness in the liver;
• trouble digesting fatty foods;
• increased body temperature;
• deterioration of the general condition;
• diarrhea and constipation;
• spasmodic pain in the epigastric region;
• yellowing of the skin and sclera.

Therapy depends on the etiology and aims to relieve inflammation. It includes:

• streamlining the regime of life and nutrition;
• regular medication intake;
• rejection of addictions.

Lack of medical care or improperly selected medications (as in self-medication) often cause complications such as cirrhosis and the growth of malignant neoplasms.

Acute appendicitis

This diagnosis is associated with pain in the right iliac spine. However, in 70% of cases, acute appendicitis begins to bother higher, in the hypochondrium. In the first few hours, the sensations move to the right side of the lower abdomen, and the picture becomes clearer.

Acute appendicitis is extremely dangerous. It is almost not caused by provoking factors, and can develop against the background of normal health. When a person arrives at the operating table with a great delay, there is a risk of rupture of the appendix and the development of peritonitis.

Helminthiasis

This is a group of pathologies caused by the presence of worms in the body. Pain and discomfort in the right hypochondrium can occur in the second (chronic) stage of the disease. Associated symptoms will be:

• loss of appetite;
• bloating and indigestion;
• increased nervous irritability;
• asthenic syndrome.

Parasites can enter the liver and gallbladder from the intestines. This can exacerbate symptoms, as in acute cholecystitis.

Treatment of helminthiasis occurs conservatively, by taking medications that are selected taking into account the variety of parasites. At the same time, sorbents and immunomodulating drugs are prescribed.

Gynecological problems

The female reproductive organs are located in the lower abdomen. However, the pain sensations accompanying the course of some pathologies can be given to its upper sections.

Ectopic pregnancy

When a fertilized egg is attached not to the wall of the uterus, but is fixed in another place, they talk about the development of an ectopic pregnancy. As the embryo grows and the fallopian tube stretches, it can manifest itself as pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which sometimes radiate to the hypochondrium.

The condition is dangerous because it progresses rapidly and carries the risk of pipe rupture. Therefore, in the presence of such symptoms occurring against the background of a delay in menstruation, you should immediately consult a gynecologist. The problem of ectopic pregnancy is solved surgically.

Adnexitis

This is an inflammation of the female appendages, of an infectious etiology, which can manifest itself as pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the right or left hypochondrium. They are often confused with signs of appendicitis.

Other symptoms of adnexitis are:

• an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C;
• purulent discharge from the genitals;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• soreness of monthly bleeding.

Therapy is based on taking antibiotics (penicillins or cephalosporins), in addition to which it includes:

• anti-inflammatory and pain relievers;
• physiotherapy, which are carried out after the removal of symptoms of inflammation.

Adnexitis, when it is not cured in time and completely, goes into a chronic stage. This significantly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and future infertility.

Video - Andexitis: diagnosis and treatment

Other causes of pain in the right hypochondrium from the side

Acute pneumonia

This is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, an infectious etiology. The picture of pain sensations largely depends on the localization of the process. When it is concentrated in the lower part of the right lung, pain can be given under the corresponding part of the chest. It is important to understand that the lungs themselves are devoid of nerve endings, and therefore cannot give pain symptoms. Their source is the pleura, large bronchi and trachea.

On the other hand, a cough that occurs due to the need to excrete phlegm is strong and frequent, resulting in soreness in the muscles of the body. This is due to the accumulation of lactic acid in them.

Treatment is carried out conservatively, using:

• antibacterial and mucolytic drugs;
• immunostimulants and antihistamines;
• other medicines that are prescribed according to indications.

Acute right-sided pyelonephritis

This is the name of nonspecific inflammation of the right kidney, caused by the influence of pathogenic bacteria. One of the characteristic symptoms of pathology is considered pain, which is usually dull, aching in nature and disturbing in the lumbar region, but can also radiate to the right hypochondrium. With calculous pyelonephritis, sensations are paroxysmal.

Other signs of pathology are such phenomena as:

• hyperthermia;
• headache and weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• pallor and puffiness, especially in the morning.

Like any inflammatory caused by exposure to pathogenic flora, pyelonephritis is treated:

• antibiotics and antihistamines;
• means for strengthening immunity;
• other drugs.

Can pain in the hypochondrium on the right be a variant of the norm?

Let's just say that it does not always mean the development of acute conditions:

• when there are pathologies of a chronic nature in the body, during periods of remission, pain may bother, but this can be very conditionally called the norm;
• sometimes discomfort under the ribs on the right side worries healthy people. This occurs when exposed to factors that disrupt the normal course of physiological processes.

When playing sports

Pain and heaviness in the hypochondrium can occur, for example, during sports, especially jogging. Newbies suffer most from this. Physical activity provokes the release of a large amount of adrenaline, which relaxes the walls of the bile ducts. This causes the liver to fill with blood and enlarge, putting pressure on its capsule, which has many nerve endings. This leads to stabbing pains.

After overeating

Discomfort in the right upper abdomen in a person who does not suffer from gastrointestinal pathologies may be the result of too much food. An abundance of food, especially fatty ones, is a serious burden for the body. Besides the discomfort:

• drowsiness comes;
• heart rate increases;
• may be disturbed by nausea.

Female reasons

In women, periodic, mild pain in the liver area can be caused by:

• physiology of monthly bleeding;
• pregnancy;
• taking oral contraceptives.

In these conditions, discomfort in the hypochondrium and side does not require special treatment, and eventually disappears by itself.

Which doctor to go to

With frequent or acute pain in the right side of the abdomen, it is worth contacting a therapist. The diagnostic results will indicate the source of the problem, and the doctor will refer you to a narrow specialist. When it comes to children, you should start with a visit to the pediatrician.

How to relieve pain syndrome

It is important to understand that pain is a signal that the body is not well. Her character can tell the doctor a lot about the causes of the condition. When the discomfort is bearable, it is better to rush to the clinic, and if it worsens, call an ambulance. It is undesirable to take medications before examining doctors.

In the case when the pain causes severe suffering, but there is no need to seek medical help possibilities, there are pharmaceuticals that relieve spasms and relieve pain: No-shpa, Spazgan and others.

Dos and Don'ts for Pain

First, there is an unequivocal prohibition on warming up in the acute period, since this can lead to irreversible consequences, especially when the diagnosis has not yet been established.

And secondly, you should not abuse pain relievers so as not to provoke additional health problems.

When to call an ambulance

Symptoms such as:

• severe pain that does not stop within a few minutes;
• profuse and frequent vomiting;
• loss of consciousness;
• increasing swelling and problems with urination;
• bleeding (uterine, stomach, intestinal);
• persistent hyperthermia (38.5 ° C and above);
• diarrhea or constipation for several days.

Before the advent of doctors:

• you can not eat, actively move and warm up the body;
• it is undesirable to drink water and take medications.

The patient should be put to bed and wait for the arrival of doctors.

Prevention

As measures to prevent the development of pathologies and symptoms mentioned above, the following are recommended:

• timely access to a doctor and full treatment of all pathologies;
• regular and balanced nutrition;
• taking care of strengthening the immune system;
• rejection of addictions.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to maximize your health, protect yourself from dangerous pathologies, and therefore from their symptoms, complications and consequences.