Why Can Lower Right Abdominal Pain Be Your Health Alarm?

Pain in the lower right abdomen is often considered trivial by some people. However, did you know that pain in this area can be a sign of a serious medical condition? It is important to recognize the symptoms and causes, because lower right abdominal pain can indicate a health problem that requires immediate treatment.

1. Main Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right abdomen is generally associated with several serious medical conditions, including:

• Appendicitis (Appendicitis): Appendicitis is one of the main causes of pain in the lower right abdomen. Symptoms include pain that starts around the navel and moves to the lower right, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. If left untreated, appendicitis can cause serious complications such as rupture of the appendix, which is life-threatening.
• Reproductive Disorders in Women: In women, lower right abdominal pain can be related to reproductive health problems such as ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, or endometriosis. Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists, causing obstruction to blood flow, which requires immediate treatment.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Pain in the lower right side can also be caused by a urinary tract infection. Apart from pain, it is usually accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating and frequent urge to urinate.
• Inguinal Hernia: An inguinal hernia occurs when a piece of abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This hernia often causes pain in the lower right side, especially when standing or lifting heavy objects.

2. When to be alert?

If you experience lower right abdominal pain accompanied by the following symptoms, immediately consult a medical professional:

• High fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pain that gets worse over a few hours.

These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency, especially if they are related to appendicitis or ovarian torsion. Quick and appropriate treatment can prevent more serious complications.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment Steps

The doctor will usually perform a physical examination and several tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or blood tests to determine the cause of the pain. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, ranging from antibiotics for infections to surgery for conditions such as appendicitis or ovarian torsion.

4. The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

Although not all lower right abdominal pain indicates a dangerous condition, early detection is very important to prevent complications. Don't delay consulting a doctor if you experience pain that doesn't go away or suspicious symptoms. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and undergoing regular health check-ups can help minimize the risk of health problems associated with abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Lower right abdominal pain should not be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms. Recognizing the signs and knowing the potential causes can be the first step to getting the right treatment and preventing serious complications. Take care of your health by remaining alert to the symptoms that appear and consulting medical personnel if necessary.

Reference:

1. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. “Appendicitis: Causes and Symptoms.” kemenkes.go.id.
2. Mayo Clinic. "Appendicitis: Symptoms and Causes." mayoclinic.org .
3. Healthline. "Right Lower Quadrant Pain: What's Causing It?" healthline.com .