Lower right abdominal pain is commonly caused by digestive issues like gas or constipation, but it is also the primary indicator of appendicitis. In women, pain near the hip bone often relates to ovarian cysts or pelvic health. If pain is sharp, constant, or accompanied by fever, it requires professional medical evaluation.
Persistent or sudden pain in the lower right abdomen can be alarming. Because this area—known as the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)—houses the appendix, the junction of the small and large intestines, and key reproductive organs, the nature of your symptoms determines whether you need home rest or an immediate trip to an urgent care center.
Is it an Emergency? The 60-Second Checklist
If you are experiencing right side abdominal pain along with any of the following “Red Flags,” seek emergency medical care immediately:
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Fever and chills (sign of infection or abscess).
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Rebound tenderness (pain that worsens when pressure is released from the abdomen).
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Inability to pass gas or persistent vomiting.
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Pain at McBurney’s Point (the spot exactly between your belly button and your right hip bone).
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Blood in stool or urine.
Symptom Comparison: Why Does My Right Side Hurt?
To help you identify the likely cause of your right side stomach pain, refer to this clinical comparison table.
| Feature | Appendicitis | Gas / Indigestion | Kidney Stones |
| Pain Type | Sharp, localized, steady | Dull, bloating, shifting | Intense, cramping “waves” |
| Location | Lower right (near hip) | Moves throughout abdomen | Back/Flank radiating to groin |
| Fever? | Very Common | Rare | Possible (if infection exists) |
| Movement | Worsens when walking | Often improves with movement | Causes restlessness/pacing |
Common Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain
1. Appendicitis
The most common surgical cause of pain in the lower right abdomen. It typically begins as a dull ache around the navel and shifts to the lower right, becoming sharp and severe.
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Why it matters: An inflamed appendix can rupture within 48–72 hours, making early diagnosis at an urgent care facility vital.
2. Digestive Issues (Gas & IBS)
If your right side pain comes and goes, it is often related to the digestive tract.
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Gas: Sharp pains that shift location and are relieved by flatulence.
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IBS: Chronic cramping often triggered by specific foods or stress.
3. Kidney Stones (Renal Colic)
Small mineral deposits can cause lower right abdominal pain if they become lodged in the right ureter. This pain is often described as the “worst pain imaginable” and typically radiates to the back or groin.
Pain in Lower Right Abdomen: Female-Specific Causes
For women, the proximity of the right ovary and fallopian tube to the appendix can make diagnosis complex. If you feel pain in the lower right abdomen near the hip bone as a female, consider these factors:
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Ovarian Cysts: A dull, heavy sensation. If a cyst ruptures or causes torsion (twisting), the pain becomes sudden and excruciating.
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Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
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Mittelschmerz: One-sided pain associated with normal ovulation.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection that causes persistent pelvic pain and often occurs with unusual discharge.
When to Visit Sahara West Urgent Care
Self-diagnosis is difficult because many internal organs share the same nerve pathways. Our Las Vegas providers use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of your pain on the right side of the stomach:
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Clinical Evaluation: Testing for “psoas signs” and guarding.
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Stat Lab Testing: Checking white blood cell counts and inflammatory markers.
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Urinalysis: Ruling out UTIs and kidney stones instantly.
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Referral Imaging: Coordinating quick CT scans or ultrasounds if appendicitis is suspected.
If you are in Summerlin, Centennial Hills, or the surrounding Las Vegas area, visit us for a professional evaluation. Book Your Appointment at Sahara West Urgent Care.
FAQs
What does appendicitis pain feel like?
It usually starts as a dull ache near the belly button that moves to the lower right. It becomes a sharp, “pinpoint” pain that hurts more when you cough, jump, or walk.
Why do I have pain in my lower right abdomen near my hip bone?
In addition to appendicitis, this is often caused by an inguinal hernia, a strained hip flexor muscle, or, in women, an ovarian cyst or pelvic congestion.
Can constipation cause right-sided pain?
Yes. If stool is backed up in the cecum (the beginning of the large intestine), it can cause significant pressure and discomfort in the lower right quadrant.
