Pain in the right hypochondrium - what is it? What diseases can this symptom indicate? As a rule, such soreness indicates a malfunction of some internal organs that are located in this area. However, this can also be a sign of the pathology of an infectious disease. Only a specialist can accurately diagnose the root cause, based on the results of clinical studies. Let's take a closer look at the fact that this is a pain in the right hypochondrium. What character can this symptom have? What diseases are accompanied by such pain?
What can cause pain in the right hypochondrium?
What it is? What can such pain indicate? It should be noted that pain rarely develops quite suddenly, even if there are health disorders that differ in this symptom. However, this statement will not apply to exacerbation of the disease in the following bodies:
- Respiratory system.
- Digestive.
- Genitourinary 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, soreness makes itself felt after an abdominal injury, as well as after damage in the chest area. In addition, internal 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, often they make themselves felt in the event of a change in the hormonal background. Also, the cause of exacerbation of pain can be a simple neglect of the advice, as well as the recommendations that the doctor gave you regarding the treatment of a 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 the front, in the region of the lower border of the chest occurs closer to the abdominal surface, and can also be given to the back.
In the first case, this will indicate a pathology of the stomach, gall bladder and liver, as well as the upper intestines. That is why, if you have pain in the right hypochondrium in the front, be sure to consult your doctor with a similar symptom.
As for the pain that gives back, it can speak of conditions such as osteochondrosis, renal and adrenal dysfunction, a problem with the vena cava inferior, fractures and fissures of the lower ribs that are on the right side.
Let us consider in more detail the connection between localization and pain under the ribs on the right, as well as possible pathologies:
- Painful sensations 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 gall bladder.
- Pain that is localized in the lower region may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, adnexitis, as well as other pathologies of the woman's ovaries.
- What does the pain in the front, giving in the right hypochondrium, mean? Possible causes of pain and painful discomfort may indicate diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, inflammation of the diaphragm, as well as the lower lobe of the lung.
- If the pain is localized from behind, giving away 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 gives to the inguinal region, can indicate the development of adnexitis, acute appendicitis, and intestinal pathologies that are inflammatory in nature.
- If the pain is given to the navel, then this can be a symptom of giardiasis, helminthic invasion, as well as a duodenal ulcer.
The nature of pain in the right hypochondrium
On the side of the hypochondrium, painful sensations 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 the 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 different organs.
In some cases, severe pain, which appears against the background of vomiting, can act as a sign of pseudo-abdominal syndrome with pyelonephritis, myocardial infarction, gastritis, and 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 failure. In addition, a similar sign can talk about the pathology of the gallbladder.
Concomitant symptoms
We continue to consider the features of pain in the right hypochondrium, behind from the back, side, and also in other areas. Very often, this symptom is accompanied by other concomitant symptoms. As a rule, in the aggregate they form the entire clinical picture of a pathology. The concomitant symptoms should include:
- Digestive disorder in the form of vomiting, nausea, loose stools.
- Signs of intoxication, for example, hyperhidrosis, hyperthermia, decreased tone.
- Dizziness and drowsiness.
- Blood pressure spikes. Fainting and blurred consciousness.
- Soreness and discomfort in the area of the heart, as well as changes in heart rate readings.
- Bleeding and swelling of the mucous membranes.
- Yellowing of the sclera and skin.
- Pain during urination.
- The presence of rashes, hyperemia of the body.
- Abundant discharge from the genitals.
- Cough, respiratory failure, and other symptoms.
What does the pain mean?
In most cases, pain in the right hypochondrium, behind from the back, side, top or bottom indicates the development of an acute form of some kind of pathology. Often such pathologies can go 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 ones.
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 a chronic and acute form. Pain, discomfort under the ribs can be strong and cramping, but more often the pain is just aching in nature. It radiates to the iliac region. In addition, pain in the right hypochondrium can be localized in the back, give to the right shoulder, and also intensify after eating. Additionally, the following symptoms may appear with cholecystitis:
- Taste of metal and bitterness in the mouth.
- Bloating, constipation.
- Burping.
After a while, symptoms of intoxication make themselves felt, for example, general weakness, fever. To eliminate the pain, experts recommend the use of antispasmodic drugs, as well as adhere to bed rest. Full-fledged 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 prescribed to remove stones or the entire gall bladder. That is why if you have pain in the right hypochondrium, behind, which gives to the shoulder, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. So you will avoid possible complications.
Cholelithiasis
Gallstone disease is a pathology in which stones form in the ducts and in the gall bladder. It can also act as a complication of conditions such as diseases of the endocrine system, chronic cholecystitis, as well as impaired nervous regulation of the liver.
Gallstone disease is treated conservatively when the size of the stones does not exceed more than one and a half centimeters in diameter. In most cases, the only possible way to rid a person of soreness is surgery. This is due to the fact that large neoplasms that dissolve to sand can re-form.
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
So, we continue to consider in which cases pain gives to the right hypochondrium. This may be a symptom of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Increasing discomfort often occurs on an empty stomach at night, as well as after physical and emotional stress. The entire clinical picture of ailments can be supplemented by the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting of acidic masses.
- Belching and heartburn.
- Tachycardia and hyperthermia.
- Upset stool.
The disease for some time may not be accompanied by any symptoms, which makes diagnosis difficult. In complicated and advanced forms, the disease is dangerous peritonitis and internal bleeding.
Pancreatitis
For what reason can there still be abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium? Often this symptom accompanies pancreatitis. If the disease proceeds in a chronic form, then other symptoms appear:
- Periodic bloating.
- Weight loss.
- Digestive upsets.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, high fatigue.
- Change in the shade of the skin, which may become yellowish or cyanotic.
Often, pancreatitis also develops against a background of liver pathology and diabetes. In order for the acute form of the disease not to become chronic, it is necessary to carry out special therapy, which is aimed at eliminating the 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 a specialist. If possible, doctors recommend a spa treatment.
Hepatitis
Pain in the right hypochondrium from the back, as well as from the front, can indicate the development of hepatitis. Varieties of this disease can develop due to copious and frequent alcoholic libations, a genetic predisposition, taking certain medications, an infection, and other factors.
In addition to pain in the right hypochondrium, back and front, with hepatitis, the following symptoms occur:
- Itching of the skin.
- Fullness in the liver.
- Fever.
- Digestive problems, poor breakdown of too fatty foods.
- Deterioration in general.
- Diarrhea and constipation.
- Yellowing of the skin and sclera.
- Spasmodic pain, which is localized in the epigastric region.
The treatment of pain in the right hypochondrium in the front and behind with hepatitis will depend on the etiology, but the main goal will be to stop the inflammation. As a rule, for this, the patient should regularly take medications, observe an ordered regime of life and nutrition, and also abandon addictions.
If there is no medical assistance or medications are incorrectly selected for treatment, 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 is accompanied by acute appendicitis. This diagnosis is associated with pain in the right iliac region. But in 70% of cases, acute appendicitis disturbs the pain a little higher, that is, in the hypochondrium. During the first few hours, sensations can go to the right abdomen from below, and the picture becomes more understandable.
Acute appendicitis is extremely dangerous. It is practically not caused by a provoking factor, it can develop against the background of even normal human 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, can occur in the second stage of the disease. Concomitant symptoms are loss of appetite, increased nervous irritability, digestive disorders, bloating, and also in the form of asthenic syndrome.
Parasites can enter from the intestines into the gallbladder and liver. It is from this that the specific localization of pain will depend. This can trigger an exacerbation of symptoms similar to signs of acute cholecystitis. Therapy of helminthiases is carried out conservatively, for this the patient is prescribed medications. The specific type of medication will depend on the variety of parasites. In parallel with this, immunomodulating drugs and sorbents are prescribed.
Ectopic pregnancy
Reproductive female organs are located in the lower abdomen. But the soreness that accompanies some pathologies can also give to the upper sections. Very often, a similar symptom occurs during an ectopic pregnancy. What is she like? In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg is not attached to the uterine wall, but is fixed in some other place. As the embryo grows, as well as the extension of the fallopian tube, 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, in the presence of a similar symptom, which also appears against the background of a delay in menstruation, you should immediately contact your gynecologist. As a rule, an ectopic pregnancy is removed surgically.
Adnexitis
This inflammation of the appendages carries an infectious etiology, it can be accompanied by soreness in the lower abdomen, in some cases it gives pain to the left or right hypochondrium. Very often, this symptom is confused with signs of appendicitis. Concomitant symptoms of adnexitis are as follows:
- Purulent discharge from the external genitalia.
- Increase in body temperature to 40 degrees.
- Violation of the monthly cycle.
- Pain during monthly bleeding.
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 physiotherapeutic procedures. As a rule, they are carried out after removing the symptoms of inflammation, that is, after pain in the right hypochondrium and lowering body temperature.
If the disease is not completely cured, then it can go into the chronic stage. The lack of treatment for 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 of these ailments is acute pneumonia. It is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. Acute pneumonia is characterized by an infectious etiology. The picture of soreness will largely depend on the localization of the main process. If it is concentrated in the lower region of the right lung, then pain can give away under the corresponding region of the chest. It must be understood that the lungs are devoid of nerve endings, which is why they cannot give any pain symptoms. The source of pain will 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 so-called lactic acid in them.
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In women, mild periodic pains that are localized in the liver can be explained by pregnancy, the physiology of menstruation, and the use of oral contraceptives.
With the above conditions, the pain in the hypochondrium does not need special treatment, after a while it should disappear on its own.
Diagnostic Features
For acute and frequent pains that are localized in the right abdomen, you need to seek the help of 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 should write out a referral for a laboratory examination. Most often, the diagnosis includes the following procedures:
- Ultrasound of the internal organs.
- Roentgenography.
- 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 must 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, a gastroenterologist solves them. With helminthic invasion, a parasitologist should be visited. 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.
Treatment features
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. Before examining specialists, it is undesirable to take any medications.
If the pain causes you severe suffering, and you do not have the opportunity to seek help at a medical institution, then you can use pharmacy products that eliminate cramps and also stop the painful syndrome. Often, such drugs include No-shpa, Spazgan, and many others.
What can not be done?
First of all, you should in no case carry out heating, 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 health.
When should I call an ambulance?
Some people do not know exactly when to call an ambulance. The following symptoms will serve as a signal for emergency treatment:
- Frequent and profuse vomiting.
- Severe soreness, ongoing for several minutes.
- Loss of consciousness.
- The problem with urination, increasing swelling.
- Persistent hyperthermia, more than 38.5 degrees.
- Bleeding, for example intestinal, gastric, uterine.
- Constipation or diarrhea that does not stop for several days.
Before the arrival of 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 preventive measures that can prevent the development of symptoms and pathologies, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner, to carry out full-fledged therapy of all existing diseases. You should also eat rationally and regularly, take care of strengthening the immune system, and abandon addictions.
If you follow these simple rules, you can maintain your health as much as possible, as well as protect the body from dangerous pathologies.