Pain in the right hypochondrium - what is it? What diseases can this symptom indicate? As a rule, such pain indicates a malfunction of some internal organs that are located in this area. However, it can also be a sign of the pathology of an infectious disease. Only a specialist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause, based on the results of clinical studies. Let's take a closer look at what it is - pain in the right hypochondrium. What is the nature of this symptom? What diseases are accompanied by such pain?
What can cause pain in the right hypochondrium?
What is this? What could such pain indicate? It should be noted that the pain syndrome rarely develops completely suddenly, even if there are he alth disorders that differ in this way. However, this statement is notwill refer to the exacerbation of the disease in the following organs:
- Respiratory system.
- Digestive.
- Urinary Sphere.
- Internal secretion.
- Central nervous system.
Quite often it all starts with a feeling of discomfort after eating, sexual activity or physical activity. Almost always, pain makes itself felt after an injury to the abdomen, as well as after damage to the chest area. In addition, internal profuse hemorrhages are accompanied by a similar symptom.
Chronic pathology sharply reminds of itself during an exacerbation, which is more often observed in autumn or spring. However, these ailments may appear after severe stress, both emotional and physical. In addition, they often make themselves felt in case of hormonal changes. Also, the reason for the exacerbation of soreness can be a simple neglect of the advice, as well as the recommendations that the doctor gave you regarding the treatment of a particular disease.
Pain localization
So, we continue to consider the features of pain in the right hypochondrium, what it is, what diseases this symptom accompanies. First of all, special attention should be paid to the localization of such painful sensations. Pain in the right hypochondrium in front, in the region of the lower border of the chest, occurs closer to the abdominal surface, and can also radiate to the back.
In the first case, this will indicate the pathology of the stomach, gallbladder and liver, as well as the upper sectionsintestines. That is why, if you have pain in the right hypochondrium in front, be sure to contact your doctor with a similar symptom.
As for the pain that radiates to the back, this can indicate conditions such as osteochondrosis, dysfunction of the kidneys and adrenal glands, a problem with the inferior vena cava, fractures and cracks in the lower ribs, which are located on the right side.
Let's consider in more detail the relationship between localization and pain under the ribs on the right, as well as possible pathologies:
- Painful sensations from above and in the right hypochondrium. Possible causes of pain may lie in the development of hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, as well as other diseases of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
- Pain, which is localized in the lower region, may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, adnexitis, and other pathologies of the ovaries in a woman.
- What does the pain in the front, radiating to the right hypochondrium, mean? Possible causes of pain and painful discomfort may indicate diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, inflammation of the diaphragm, as well as the lower lobe of the lung.
- If the pain is localized at the back, giving at the same time to the right side, then we can talk about pyelonephritis, osteochondrosis, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, pathologies of the vena cava, as well as damage to the ribs.
- Pain in the right hypochondrium from the side, which radiates to the inguinal region, may indicate the development of adnexitis, acute appendicitis, intestinal pathologies that are inflammatory.
- Ifpain is given to the navel, this may be a symptom of giardiasis, helminthic invasion, and duodenal ulcers.
Character of pain in the right hypochondrium
Side pain in the hypochondrium can be of varying intensity, as well as of a different nature. For example, a aching symptom is typical of chronic, sluggish processes. Impulsive and dull pain occurs with problems with the kidneys and stomach, with inflammation of the gallbladder, with osteochondrosis, as well as in case of traumatic bone injuries and neoplasms. Acute soreness, which is simply impossible to endure, may indicate the development of an extremely dangerous pathology of various organs.
In some cases, severe pain that appears against the background of vomiting can act as a sign of pseudo-abdominal syndrome in pyelonephritis, myocardial infarction, gastritis, pneumonia. As a rule, such a symptom does not carry any risk to life, and it can be eliminated conservatively.
If there is severe discomfort, as well as a feeling of heaviness, which is localized under the ribs on the right, then this is a characteristic symptom of swelling of the liver, for example, with hepatitis, as well as cardiovascular insufficiency. In addition, a similar sign may indicate the pathology of the gallbladder.
Associated symptoms
We continue to consider the features of pain in the right hypochondrium, behind from the back, on the side, and also in other areas. Quite often, this symptom is accompanied by other concomitant symptoms. As a rule, inTogether, they form the entire clinical picture of some kind of pathology. Associated symptoms include:
- Indigestion in the form of vomiting, nausea, loose stools.
- Signs of intoxication, such as hyperhidrosis, hyperthermia, decreased tone.
- Dizziness and drowsiness.
- Jumps in blood pressure. Fainting and clouding of consciousness.
- Soreness and discomfort in the area of the heart, as well as changes in pulse readings.
- Bleeding and swelling of mucous membranes.
- Yellowing of the sclera and skin.
- Pain during urination.
- Presence of rashes, hyperemia of the body.
- Profuse discharge from the genitals.
- Cough, respiratory distress, and other symptoms.
What does the pain say?
In most cases, pain in the right hypochondrium, behind the back, side, top or bottom indicates the development of an acute form of some kind of pathology. Often such pathologies can turn into emergency conditions. Dysfunction of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract very often manifests itself in the form of painful sensations that are localized in the zone of the right side, as well as in the lower border of the ribs. Consider the most common of them.
Cholecystitis
This disease is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which is caused by an infectious lesion, as well as the presence of stones and sand in this organ. Pathology can occur in chronic and acute form. Pain, discomfort under the ribs can bestrong and cramping, but more often the pain is precisely aching in nature. It radiates to the iliac region. In addition, pain can be localized in the right hypochondrium from behind, give to the right shoulder, and also intensify after eating. Additionally, the following symptoms may appear with cholecystitis:
- Metal taste and bitterness in the mouth.
- Bloating, constipation.
- Burp.
After a while, symptoms of intoxication make themselves felt, for example, general weakness, fever. To eliminate pain, experts recommend the use of antispasmodic drugs, as well as adhere to bed rest. A complete therapy will include a strict diet, physiotherapy, the use of antibacterial agents, as well as spa treatment based on mineral waters.
In some cases, surgery is indicated to remove the stones or the entire gallbladder. That is why if you have pain in the right hypochondrium, behind, which radiates to the shoulder, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. This way you will avoid possible complications.
Cholelithiasis
Cholelithiasis is a pathology in which stones form in the ducts and in the gallbladder. It can also act as a complication of conditions such as ailments of the endocrine system, chronic cholecystitis, and disorders of the nervous regulation of the liver.
Cholelithiasis is treated conservatively when the size of the stones is notexceeds one and a half centimeters in diameter. In most cases, the only possible method to save a person from soreness is surgery. This is due to the fact that large neoplasms that dissolve to sand can re-form.
Ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum
So, we continue to consider in which cases the pain radiates to the right hypochondrium. This may be a symptom of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Increasing discomfort often occurs on an empty stomach at night, as well as after physical and emotional stress. The whole clinical picture of ailments can be supplemented by the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting of sour masses.
- Belching and heartburn.
- Tachycardia and hyperthermia.
- Stool disorder.
The disease may not be accompanied by any symptoms for some time, which makes diagnosis difficult. In complicated and advanced forms, the disease is dangerous with peritonitis and internal bleeding.
Pancreatitis
For what reason can there be pain in the abdomen in the right hypochondrium? Often this symptom accompanies pancreatitis. If the disease proceeds in a chronic form, then other symptoms appear:
- Intermittent bloating.
- Weight loss.
- Digestive disorders.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, high fatigue.
- Changes in skin tone, which may turn yellowish or bluish.
Often pancreatitis also develops against the background of liver pathology and diabetes. So that the acute form of the disease does not turn into a chronic one, it is necessary to carry out special therapy, which is aimed at eliminating pain under the right hypochondrium, as well as other symptoms. Such treatment involves following a special diet, taking medications. The duration of remission will depend on compliance with all the recommendations of the specialist. If possible, doctors recommend undergoing sanatorium treatment.
Hepatitis
Pain in the right hypochondrium from the back, as well as from the front, may indicate the development of hepatitis. Varieties of this disease can develop as a result of heavy and frequent alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, taking certain medications, infection, and other factors.
In addition to pain in the right hypochondrium behind and in front, hepatitis causes the following symptoms:
- Itchy skin.
- Feeling of fullness in the area of the liver.
- Increased body temperature.
- Digestion problems, poor digestion of too fatty foods.
- Deterioration in general condition.
- Diarrhea and constipation.
- Yellowing of the skin and sclera.
- Spastic pain, which is localized in the epigastric region.
Treatment of anterior and posterior right hypochondrium pain in hepatitis will depend on the etiology, but the main goal will be to control the inflammation. As a rule, for this, the patient must regularly takemedicines, maintain an orderly lifestyle and diet, and also give up addictions.
If there is no medical care or medicines for treatment are not chosen correctly, this can cause very serious complications: malignant neoplasms, cirrhosis.
Acute appendicitis
What else can be said about the causes and treatment of pain in the right hypochondrium? Often this symptom accompanies acute appendicitis. This diagnosis is associated with pain in the right iliac region. But in 70% of cases, acute appendicitis bothers with pain a little higher, that is, in the hypochondrium zone. During the first few hours, sensations may move to the lower right abdomen, and the picture becomes clearer.
Acute appendicitis is extremely dangerous. It is practically not caused by a provoking factor; it can develop even against the background of a person’s normal well-being. When the patient is already on the operating table late, there is a risk of rupture of the appendix, as well as the development of peritonitis.
Helminthiasis
This group of pathology is characterized by the presence of worms in the human body. Pain in the right hypochondrium, radiating to different areas on the body, may occur in the second stage of the disease. Concomitant symptoms are loss of appetite, increased nervous excitability, digestive disorders, bloating, and also in the form of asthenic syndrome.
Parasites can pass from the intestines to the gallbladder and liver. It will depend on this specific localization.pain. This can provoke an exacerbation of symptoms similar to those of acute cholecystitis. Therapy of helminthiases is carried out conservatively, for this the patient is prescribed medication. The specific type of medication will depend on the type of parasite. In parallel with this, immunomodulatory drugs and sorbents are prescribed.
Ectopic pregnancy
Reproductive female organs are located in the lower abdomen. But the pain that accompanies some pathologies can also radiate to the upper sections. Quite often, a similar symptom occurs with an ectopic pregnancy. What does she represent? In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is not attached to the wall of the uterus, but is fixed in some other place. As the embryo grows and the fallopian tube stretches, pulling pains may appear in the lower abdomen, which in some cases radiate to the area under the ribs.
The lack of timely treatment of pain in the right hypochondrium can provoke a rupture of the tube. That is why, if there is a similar symptom, which also appears against the background of a delay in menstruation, you should urgently contact your gynecologist. Usually, an ectopic pregnancy is repaired with surgery.
Adnexitis
This inflammation of the appendages has an infectious etiology, it can be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, in some cases the pain radiates to the left or right hypochondrium. This symptom is often confused with the symptomsappendicitis. Associated symptoms of adnexitis are as follows:
- Purulent discharge from the external genitalia.
- Increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees.
- Violation of the monthly cycle.
- Pain during menstruation.
Treatment of pain in the right hypochondrium with adnexitis is based on the use of antibiotics, as well as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In parallel with this, the specialist prescribes physiotherapy procedures. As a rule, they are carried out after the removal of the symptoms of inflammation, that is, after pain in the right hypochondrium and a decrease in body temperature.
If the disease is not completely cured, then it can go into a chronic stage. The lack of treatment of pain in the right hypochondrium in this case increases the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy, as well as infertility in the future.
Acute pneumonia
As you can see, there are a huge number of diseases and ailments that are accompanied by painful sensations in the right hypochondrium. One such disease is acute pneumonia. It is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. Acute pneumonia is characterized by infectious etiology. The picture of pain will largely depend on the localization of the underlying process. If it is concentrated in the lower region of the right lung, then painful sensations can be given under the corresponding area of \u200b\u200bthe chest. It must be understood that the lungs are devoid of nerve endings, which is why they cannot give any pain symptoms. source of sorenesswill be the pleura, trachea and large bronchi. Therefore, back pain in the right hypochondrium may occur. On the other hand, a cough that occurs due to obstruction of sputum excretion, frequent and severe, provokes painful sensations in the muscles. This is due to the accumulation of the so-called lactic acid in them.
Therapy will be done in a conservative way. To do this, the doctor prescribes to his patients mucolytic and antibacterial drugs, antihistamines, immunostimulants, as well as other drugs that should be used only as indicated.
Right-sided acute pyelonephritis
So called non-specific inflammation of the right kidney, which is caused by exposure to pathogenic bacteria. One of the characteristic signs of pathology is pain, which usually has a aching dull character. This symptom worries a person in the lumbar region, but soreness can also be given to the region of the right hypochondrium. In the case of calculous pyelonephritis, the sensations are paroxysmal in nature. Other symptoms of pathology are as follows:
- Headache, general weakness.
- Hyperthermia.
- Fatigue.
- Puffiness and pallor, particularly in the morning.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
Like any inflammatory pyelonephritis that is caused by exposure to pathogenic microflora, the disease will be treated with antihistamines and antibiotics, immune system boosters, and other drugs, which will depend on whetheror otherwise.
Could pain be the norm?
Please note that the pain that is localized in the area of the right hypochondrium will not always indicate the development of some kind of ailment.
For example, heaviness and pain can occur after playing sports, especially if you have been running. To a greater extent, those people who have just started going to the gym suffer from this symptom. Physical activity provokes the release of a large level of adrenaline, which begins to relax the walls of the bile ducts. All this provokes the fact that the liver increases, fills with blood, thus exerting pressure on the capsule, which has a large number of nerve endings. This provokes stabbing pains in the hypochondrium.
In addition, such soreness can occur due to overeating. The abundance of food, in particular fatty, will be a serious burden for the whole body. In addition to discomfort, a person has drowsiness, an increased heart rate, and nausea may also occur.
In women, mild intermittent pain that is localized in the liver area can be explained by pregnancy, the physiology of menstruation, and oral contraceptives.
In the above conditions, the pain in the hypochondrium does not need special treatment, after a while it should disappear on its own.
Diagnostic features
In case of acute and frequent pains that are localized in the right area of the abdomen, it is necessary to seek help from a therapist. The diagnostic result will indicate the source of the problem, and the specialist will redirect the patient to another doctor, with a narrower focus.
After consulting a doctor, he must issue a referral for a laboratory examination. Most often, diagnostics includes the following procedures:
- Ultrasound of internal organs.
- X-ray.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
As for the instrumental laboratory examination, this includes blood biochemistry, as well as a general analysis.
When the specialist examines the test results, he should refer you to the appropriate office. With kidney pathologies, you should visit a neurologist or urologist. As for the problems of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, they are solved by a gastroenterologist. With helminthic invasion, you should visit a parasitologist. If the pain is due to heart disease, the therapist will refer you to a cardiologist. If there are problems with the adrenal glands, then you should seek help from an endocrinologist. With acute pain, patients go to the surgeon.
Features of treatment
How to relieve pain? You should know that soreness is a signal of trouble in your body. Character can tell a specialist a lot about the causes of the condition. With severe discomfort, you should definitely visit the clinic, and in case of deterioration, you will have to call an ambulance. Prior to the examination by specialists, it is undesirable to take any medications.
If the pain causes you great suffering, and you do not have the opportunity to seekhelp to a medical institution, then you can use pharmaceutical products that eliminate spasms, as well as stop the painful syndrome. Often these drugs include No-shpa, Spazgan, and many others.
What not to do?
First of all, in no case should you warm up, as this can provoke irreversible consequences for you. This is especially true in situations where the diagnosis is not established. Also, you should not abuse various painkillers, otherwise you provoke additional problems with your he alth.
When should I call an ambulance?
Some people don't know when exactly to call an ambulance. The following symptoms will serve as a signal for urgent treatment:
- Frequent and profuse vomiting.
- Severe soreness that persists for several minutes.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Problem with urination, increasing swelling.
- Persistent hyperthermia, over 38.5 degrees.
- Bleeding, eg intestinal, gastric, uterine.
- Constipation or diarrhea that does not stop for several days.
Before the arrival of the doctors, you should not eat, move actively, and also warm the body. It is also not recommended to take any medications, drink water. The patient should lie down, waiting for the arrival of specialists.
Prevention
As a preventive measure thatable to prevent the development of symptoms and pathologies, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner, to carry out a full-fledged therapy of all existing diseases. You should also eat rationally and regularly, take care of strengthening the immune system, give up bad habits.
If you follow these simple rules, you will be able to maintain your maximum he alth and protect your body from dangerous pathologies.
