Reasons for Lower Right Pain in the Stomach

If you feel pain in the lower right area of your stomach, never write off the pain as simple upset stomach. Your pain may be a sign of a more serious abdominal condition. Even if your pain goes away, it's always a good idea to mention it to your doctor; lower-right abdominal pain is an unusual condition.

Types of Pain

• When you first notice lower-right abdominal pain, pay close attention to how the pain manifests itself. If it's a stabbing type of pain, you may have appendicitis. If it's a dull pain, you may have an inflammatory condition.

Appendicitis

• When appendicitis occurs, the appendix becomes inflamed. Since the appendix will eventually rupture, the only cure for appendicitis is its surgical removal. If you have severe lower-right abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Women who have ectopic pregnancies often experience severe pain in their lower right abdomens. This pain indicates that there is a fertilized egg in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies cause rupture of the fallopian tube if left untreated.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

• A woman experiencing dull pain in the lower right abdomen may have pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition is caused by bacterial infection of the reproductive organs and should be treated as soon as possible.

Crohn's Disease

• Lower-right abdominal pain may also indicate Crohn's disease, an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It usually strikes the small intestine, causing severe pain and diarrhea.