There are many causes of right-sided pain. The abdomen is a common source of right-sided pain, as there are several organs found only on the right side of the body from which pain can originate. According to MedlinePlus, pain that's localized on one side of the body usually signals a problem with the gallbladder, appendix or reproductive organs.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis can cause right-sided pain. According to MayoClinic.com, cholecystitis is characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the liver and the ribcage. The gallbladder's principle function is to store bile--a digestive fluid--until it's released into the small intestine. The most common cause of cholecystitis is obstruction of the tube leading out of the gallbladder by gallstones, which causes an accumulation of bile and gallbladder inflammation.
Cholecystitis may also be caused by infection, trauma or tumors. Common signs and symptoms associated with cholecystitis include severe upper right abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness and bloating, sweating, nausea, vomiting and anorexia or loss of appetite. If cholecystitis is left untreated, the gallbladder may develop tears or become infected.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis can cause right-sided pain. The National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. The appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix is a small pouch that's attached to the large intestine. According to MedlinePlus, appendicitis-related signs and symptoms vary from person to person.
Possible signs and symptoms associated with appendicitis include vague pain that begins around the navel and becomes sharper and more severe as it moves toward the lower right abdominal quadrant, abdominal pain with sudden movements, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and shaking. The NIDDK states that, although anybody can develop appendicitis, the condition is most common among young people, especially people between the ages of 10 and 30.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy can cause right-sided pain. According to FamilyDoctor.org, ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. The uterus is the usual location for implantation. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, which is responsible for transporting the egg to the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies that occur in the fallopian tube are called tubal pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies may also occur in one of the ovaries, in the cervix or in the abdomen.
Ectopic pregnancies can cause serious health complications, including rupture or damage to the pelvic organ in which the fertilized egg is implanted. Ectopic pregnancies can occur on either side of the uterus. Common signs and symptoms associated with an ectopic pregnancy include lower abdominal pain, cramping on one side of the pelvis and vaginal bleeding.
