The most frequent cause of acute, severe pain in the lower right abdomen is appendicitis, which is a medical emergency. However, when considering all cases of right-sided discomfort, the most common causes are often related to digestive issues like trapped gas, constipation, or indigestion.
Identifying the source of the pain depends heavily on whether the discomfort is in the upper or lower quadrant. At Sahara West Urgent Care, we prioritize rapid evaluation to differentiate between minor digestive upset and serious conditions that require immediate intervention.
Common Causes Categorized by Location
The organs situated on your right side determine the likely cause of your symptoms:
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Lower Right Quadrant: Appendicitis is the primary concern here. In women, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or ovulation (mittelschmerz) are also very frequent causes.
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Upper Right Quadrant: This area typically involves the gallbladder (gallstones) or the liver.
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Back and Flank: Pain that radiates from the side to the back is often a sign of kidney stones or a kidney infection.
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General Right Side: Trapped intestinal gas or muscle strain from physical activity.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
While gas and muscle strain may resolve on their own, you should visit an urgent care in Las Vegas if your pain is:
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Sudden and Severe: Pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk.
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Accompanied by Fever: This suggests an infection or inflammation of an internal organ.
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Paired with GI Distress: Constant vomiting, inability to pass stool, or blood in the stool.
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Persistent: Any pain that lasts more than 24 hours without improvement.
The Diagnostic Process: Why a Physical Exam is Required
Self-diagnosing abdominal pain can be dangerous because symptoms of a ruptured appendix can sometimes mimic heavy gas or a pulled muscle. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, our medical team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Physical Palpation: Checking for specific “trigger points” or rebound tenderness.
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Diagnostic Testing: Such as a urinalysis to check for stones or a urinary tract infection.
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Vital Sign Monitoring: Assessing blood pressure and temperature to check for systemic infection.
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Medical History Review: Understanding the onset of pain and its relation to meals or activity.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
When you are experiencing abdominal distress, timing is everything. Sahara West Urgent Care offers a professional, efficient alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening but urgent concerns. We provide the diagnostic expertise needed to determine if your pain requires specialized surgical care or simple medical management. Our goal is to provide clarity and relief so you can recover quickly.
Experiencing persistent pain on your right side? Schedule an appointment online or walk into Sahara West Urgent Care today for an expert medical evaluation.
