HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Discomfort In The Lower Abdomen On The Right Side?

Hi I have noticed slight discomfort on my lower right side in my abdomen area for several weeks. I notice that it looks like it is swelling slightly and a slight bruise in that area. I am a 39 year old female. I have had increase in bloating and abdominal pain in the past 12 weeks. I do not take any medications and do not have any chronic conditions.
Mon, 14 Aug 2017
Report Abuse
  User's Response
Hi there,

As a general surgeon, I get called about right lower quadrant pain quite a bit.

The most classical teaching is that appendicitis causes right lower quadrant pain, however this pain is constant, doesn't get better, and gets worse with time. It will usually be debilitating by day 2-3. I have seen chronic appendicitis a few times in my career, where the patient has a low level pain that is constant.

The second thing that can cause right lower quadrant pain is ovarian cysts. Usually this pain will be cynical and related to your menstrual cycle. Other ovarian problems can also cause right lower quadrant pain, such as ovarian masses.

Crohn's disease will sometimes present with right lower quadrant pain, but usually patients will have a history of diarrhea.

A Hernia is also possible, and right lower quadrant hernias can sometimes occur and are known as Sphigelian hernias (very rare).

I'd recommend seeing your primary care physician and asking for an ultrasound of that area. If that is non-diagnostic, a CT scan could also be helpful. If none of this shows anything abnormal, and you still have the pain, you could consider a colonoscopy.

I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Discomfort In The Lower Abdomen On The Right Side?

Hi there, As a general surgeon, I get called about right lower quadrant pain quite a bit. The most classical teaching is that appendicitis causes right lower quadrant pain, however this pain is constant, doesn t get better, and gets worse with time. It will usually be debilitating by day 2-3. I have seen chronic appendicitis a few times in my career, where the patient has a low level pain that is constant. The second thing that can cause right lower quadrant pain is ovarian cysts. Usually this pain will be cynical and related to your menstrual cycle. Other ovarian problems can also cause right lower quadrant pain, such as ovarian masses. Crohn s disease will sometimes present with right lower quadrant pain, but usually patients will have a history of diarrhea. A Hernia is also possible, and right lower quadrant hernias can sometimes occur and are known as Sphigelian hernias (very rare). I d recommend seeing your primary care physician and asking for an ultrasound of that area. If that is non-diagnostic, a CT scan could also be helpful. If none of this shows anything abnormal, and you still have the pain, you could consider a colonoscopy. I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.