Pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant is associated with a variety of moderate to serious medical conditions and infections. Concern should increase when this symptom increases in severity and is associated with other complaints such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, light vaginal bleeding and menstrual irregularities.
Appendicitis
One of the most common conditions associated with lower right abdominal pain is appendicitis. The appendix, which is a worm-like tube that is attached to the first portion of the large intestine, becomes inflamed because of a blockage of feces or an accumulation of thick mucus. The initial symptom of appendicitis is pain around the umbilicus. Vague pain increasingly becomes sharp and severe. Other symptoms include a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. As the inflammation increases, a person experiences lower right abdominal pain, which focuses directly over the appendix. Surgery is performed to remove the inflamed appendix. A ruptured appendix leads to a serious abdominal infection called peritonitis.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines that is caused by a virus is known as viral gastroenteritis. Commonly referred to as a stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis is caused by viruses found in contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms usually appear within four to 48 hours following exposure. A person experiences body aches, abdominal cramping and lower right abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually last for one to two days, but in some cases, may persist up to 10 days. Treatment with antibiotics is ineffective because the cause is viral, not bacterial. The aim is to prevent dehydration, restrict the intake of food until the nausea and vomiting has subsided and allow the gastrointestinal tract to recover.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus develops outside of the uterus. The most common site of this abnormality is on one of the fallopian tubes. Blockage of or slowing in the movement of the fertilized ovum through the fallopian tube to the uterus is a probable cause. According to the MayoClinic.com, the early warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding, cramping on one side of the pelvis and lower right-sided abdominal pain. A ruptured fallopian tube can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Ovarian Cyst
A fluid-filled sac that develops within or on an ovary is called an ovarian cyst. Most cysts do not cause symptoms or require treatment. Sometimes the signs of an ovarian cyst mimic the symptoms of appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy. A woman with an ovarian cyst notices menstrual irregularities and lower abdominal pain that can either be constant, occur prior to a period or just as it ends or during intercourse.
