Side pain, discomfort in the flank or abdominal region, is a common symptom with a wide range of potential causes. It can vary from a minor ache to an indicator of a serious underlying health condition. As a symptom, not a diagnosis, medical evaluation is often necessary to determine its origin. Identifying the pain’s characteristics and accompanying symptoms provides important clues for healthcare professionals.
Common Musculoskeletal and General Causes
Side pain can often originate from musculoskeletal sources, which are typically less severe than organ-related issues. Muscle strain, from strenuous exercise or persistent coughing, can cause localized pain that worsens with movement. Rib injuries, such as bruises or fractures, also cause sharp pain, often exacerbated by deep breaths or twisting. Costochondritis, an inflammation of rib cartilage, commonly affects the upper ribs, causing sharp pain that intensifies with chest movement.
Nerve irritation can also lead to side pain; for instance, shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can produce a burning pain accompanied by a characteristic rash on one side of the body. General digestive issues, such as trapped gas or constipation, may cause widespread abdominal discomfort perceived as side pain.
Pain on the Right Side
Pain on the right side can signal various conditions, some requiring urgent medical intervention. Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, typically begins with pain around the belly button before shifting to the lower right abdomen. This pain becomes more intense and constant, worsening with movement or pressure, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.
Gallstones, hard deposits in the gallbladder, can cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the shoulder or back. This pain, known as biliary colic, often occurs after fatty meals. If a gallstone blocks the cystic duct, it can lead to cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, characterized by constant upper right abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Liver conditions, such as hepatitis or fatty liver, may also present as pain in the upper right side.
Issues with the right kidney, including kidney stones or a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), commonly cause flank pain below the rib cage. Kidney stone pain is often sharp, cramping, and severe, coming in waves and sometimes radiating to the lower abdomen or groin. A kidney infection typically presents with a duller ache in the flank, along with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and painful urination. Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, can sometimes occur on the right side.
Pain on the Left Side
Pain on the left side also has diverse origins, including conditions affecting digestive organs, kidneys, or the spleen. Diverticulitis most frequently causes pain in the lower left abdomen, which can be sudden and intense, sometimes accompanied by nausea, fever, or changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea.
Similar to the right side, problems with the left kidney, such as kidney stones or pyelonephritis, can cause significant pain in the left flank. Kidney stone pain is typically sharp and colicky, often moving from the back to the lower abdomen or groin, and may include symptoms like blood in the urine or painful urination. A kidney infection on the left side would likely present with a persistent ache, fever, nausea, and burning during urination.
The pancreas, located behind the stomach, can cause pain in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen when inflamed, a condition known as pancreatitis. This pain can radiate to the back or below the left shoulder blade and often worsens after eating, particularly fatty foods. Nausea, vomiting, and fever are also common with pancreatitis. Issues with the spleen, such as enlargement or rupture, may also result in pain in the upper left abdomen. Stomach ulcers or gastritis can also cause pain that radiates to the left side.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many instances of side pain are minor and resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical attention. Severe or sudden onset of side pain, especially if it does not subside, warrants immediate evaluation. Pain accompanied by a high fever, persistent vomiting, or blood in the urine or stool are concerning signs that require urgent medical consultation.
Other red flag symptoms include shortness of breath, inability to pass gas or stool, rapidly worsening pain, or pain that develops after a recent injury or trauma. Any side pain that significantly interferes with daily activities or is accompanied by signs of infection like chills should also prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. A professional medical evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.