Pain in the Lower Right Side

Pain in the lower right side might be the result of muscle spasms, kidney stones, appendicitis, diverticulitis or ectopic pregnancy. Given the serious nature of the diseases associated with the symptoms mentioned, home remedies can only be applied for some mild diseases and the importance of going to a specialist cannot be stressed enough.

Muscle Spasm

Symptoms

Of all the muscles in the body, the abdominal muscles are particularly vulnerable to spasms. This condition is the result of them being short and they tend to remain contracted during heavy exercises.

• A mild spasm can be felt as a fluttering sensation or a muscle pull with a dull pain
• A severe spasm can result is quite harsh, a sharp stabbing pain is felt in the muscle
• In severe muscle contractions, a lump may be formed under the skin indicating a knotted muscle

Treatments

There are numerous treatments for abdominal muscle spasms, it of prime importance to start treating a spasm as soon as it is felt.

• Massaging the affected area is the most basic and effective technique used in such cases.
• Stretching the muscles by leaning backward or twisting from side to side may help remove the muscle spasm.
• Drink as much water or any beverage enhanced with electrolytes to help your body hydrate.
• Eating potassium rich foods, such as the banana might also help in such cases.
• Applying heat to relax tight abdominal muscles and cold to sore or tender muscles will help matters.
• If the muscle spasm is severe and not responding to the measures mentioned above, no time should be wasted in consulting a physician.

Kidney Stone

Symptoms

Symptoms are only felt once the stone moves around within the kidney or passes into the Ureter.

• Sever pain is felt below the ribs in the side and back
• A shooting pain to the lower abdomen and groin
• The pain varies in intensity coming in the form of waves as the stone moves around the urinary tract
• Pain is felt while urinating
• The color of the urine is dark, brown, red or pink
• The Urine is cloudy and has a bad odor
• The person feels nauseous and vomiting may occur
• More frequent urination
• A continuous need to urinate is felt
• More frequent urination
• If an infection is present, the person may have a fever and may feel chills

Treatments

• For small stones, drink as much water as possible, in an attempt to flush out the system. Pain killers can help relieve the mild pain and discomfort caused by passing a small stone. Medical therapy involves the doctor prescribing the patient medication to help pass them.
• Sound waves can help break up large stones, and they can also be surgically removed. Parathyroid gland surgery is done in cases where an over productive parathyroid gland results in too much calcium in the body resulting in the formation of kidney stones in the body. A scope may also be used to remove stones, passing an stereoscope through the urethra the doctor uses tools to break down the stones capable of passing through the urine.

Prevention Measures

• Continuously drink water throughout the day and pass about 2.5 liters a day.
• If the stones formed are calcium oxalates, foods rich in oxalates must be restricted. Furthermore, salts as well as food rich in animal protein must be minimized.
• Calcium supplements have been linked to causing kidney stones thus must be consulted by a doctor before usage

Appendicitis

Symptoms

• Dull pain near the navel, upper or lower abdomen which becomes sharper moving to the lower right
• Loss of hunger
• Nausea and vomiting may follow the abdominal pain
• Swelling in the abdominal region
• Feverish Temperatures
• Diarrhea or constipation may occur
• Unable to pass gas

Treatments

• If the pain matches the symptoms mentioned above, no food or drinks should be taken nor any other pain remedies such as medicines, heating pads etc. which may rupture the inflamed appendix
• Prompt surgery is essential in appendicitis cases
• After the surgery, if the patient experiences uncontrolled vomiting, increased pain in the abdominal region, fever, diarrhea, light headedness or dizziness, or has blood in his vomit, urine or stool, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Diverticulitis

Symptoms

• Belly pain which hurts more when you move
• Fever and chills
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Feel nausea and sometimes vomiting may occur.
• Loss of appetite

Treatments

• Apply Heating Pad, setting it on low and placing it on your belly
• Relax, meditate or deep breathing exercises in a quiet room
• Take Medications, these include acetaminophen (Such as Tylenol) a pain killer and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
• In order to prevent diverticulitis, one must get a high fiber diet with grains, fruits and vegetables, not to mention regular exercise and keeping your body hydrated.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An estimated 20 women in a pool of 1000 have ectopic pregnancies. Numerous factors increase the chances of such pregnancies these include having a previous ectopic pregnancy, issues with fertility, structural concerns and the choice of contraceptive etc.

Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding in small quantities
• Nausea and vomiting may occur
• The patient may feel lower abdominal pain
• Strong abdominal cramping may be felt
• Pain may be felt on one side of the body
• The patient may feel weak and dizzy
• Pain may be felt in the shoulder, neck, or rectum
• In severe circumstances, the fallopian tube may rupture and result in fainting

Treatments

• Medications can be used to stunt the growth of the pregnancy tissue, when the pregnancy has not progressed very far and the tube has not been ruptured.
• Laparoscopic surgery is used when the pregnancy has not advanced very far and to remove the embryo and repair the damage.
• Blood Tests after surgery are taken to ensure the entire tubal pregnancy was removed using hormone levels to make the diagnosis.
• Treating the root causes, once such a pregnancy has occurred, if it was caused by a treatable disease getting treated for it can improve the chances of being impregnated again.