In some cases, a pain in the lower right abdomen can indicate a more serious condition that will require immediate medical assistance.

Appendicitis

When the pain is specific to the lower right abdomen, appendicitis is one of the most common causes. The appendix is a tube-like structure attached to the large intestines.

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix inflames, causing pain in the middle of the abdomen that spreads to the right lower abdomen, where the pain becomes severe.

Other symptoms can include:

• fever
• diarrhea
• low appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• weakness

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the appendix to relieve the pain. Appendix removal poses no additional health risks.

Kidney stones

Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, is a common condition. Minerals build up in the kidney to form stones, most composed of calcium.

The size of kidney stones can vary. The smaller stones can pass through the urinary system with ease, but larger stones can get stuck and cause severe pain around the lower back, side, abdomen, and groin.

As the stones move throughout the urinary system, the pain will vary in location and severity.

Other symptoms can include:

• blood in the urine
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• chills

Kidney infection

Bacteria in the urinary system can infect one or both kidneys. As a result, pain typically occurs in the lower back, side, and groin. However, one can also feel pain in the lower abdomen.

Medical intervention may be necessary to prevent permanent damage from a kidney infection. Higher-risk patients such as those that are pregnant, have diabetes, or received a kidney transplant, may be more likely to require medical assistance.

Symptoms can include:

• flank pain
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• painful urination
• increased frequency and urge to urinate

Kidney infections can be mistaken for urinary tract infections, such as cystitis, with similar symptoms.

Hernia

A hernia is where internal organs or tissues push through a weakening in a muscle or tissue wall and cause a small lump. The condition most commonly happens around the abdominal area.

Groin and femoral hernias often occur on the right side, and their severity may increase over time. Depending on the severity of the hernia, someone may or may not require surgery or other treatments.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive system condition.

IBS can cause pain in the abdominal area along with other symptoms, including:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• constipation
• bloating
• gas

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions that affect the digestive system.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease both cause an inflammation of the gut and make up most cases of IBD. They can cause pain in the lower abdomen plus:

• weight loss
• tiredness
• frequent urge to have a bowel movement
• persistent diarrhea, often with blood