Right flank pain can be mild, such as constipation, or more serious. If the stomach is hard on palpation (defense or contracture), it may signal a surgical emergency.
Right flank pain corresponds to discomfort located on the right side of the abdomen, at the level of the navel. Frequent, it can be benign or reveal an emergency. How to recognize it, understand its origin and know when to consult? Here’s what you need to know.
Definition: where is the right flank?
The right flank is an area located in the middle of the abdomen, to the right of the navel. The abdomen is classically divided into nine regions: hypochondria, flanks, region around the navel and lower abdomen. Pain in this area can come from several nearby organs:
What are the associated symptoms?
Right flank pain does not always manifest itself in the same way. It can be:
- sudden or gradual
- continuous or in crises
- light or very intense
It is often accompanied by other signs:
- transit disorders (constipation, diarrhea)
- urinary burning or frequent urge to urinate
- fever
- nausea or vomiting
A key point: a hard stomach on palpation (defense or contracture) can signal a surgical emergency.
What are the possible causes?
They most often depend on the organ affected. We can broadly classify four types of causes of right flank pain:
- Digestive problems : constipation, intestinal obstruction, hernia
- Gallbladder : gallstones (biliary lithiasis), common. They can block the flow of bile and cause severe pain.
- Kidneys and urinary tract: very intense pain, in waves, radiating towards the groin suggests renal colic. Pain associated with fever and urinary burning may suggest a kidney infection. In these cases, a quick consultation is necessary.
- Appendicitis: even if the pain often starts in the lower right, it can move towards the right side depending on the position of the appendix.
In women: what specific causes?
Some causes are specific to the female genital tract: ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy (medical emergency). These pains can resemble digestive pain, hence the importance of the diagnosis.
What tests should be carried out to make the diagnosis?
The doctor begins with a clinical examination and asks about the precise location of the pain, its intensity and any associated symptoms. Tests may be prescribed: abdominal ultrasound, blood test, urine analysis, pregnancy test if necessary, abdominal scan if in doubt
What treatment to have less pain?
Treatment always depends on the cause. These may include medications:
- Analgesics (against pain): such as paracetamol (Doliprane®, Efferalgan®) as first intention.
- Antispasmodics: used in cases of digestive pain, such as phloroglucinol (Spasfon®).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): often prescribed for renal colic to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Nurofen®) or ketoprofen (by prescription).
- Laxatives: in case of constipation, with for example macrogol (Forlax®, Movicol®) or lactulose.
These medications should be used with caution and, in some cases, only on medical prescription, especially anti-inflammatories which may be contraindicated. Certain situations require surgery (appendicitis, occlusion, etc.). Rest can help, but does not replace medical advice if pain persists.
When to consult urgently?
You should consult quickly in the event of:
- intense or sudden pain
- high fever
- repeated vomiting
- hard stomach
- blood in urine or stool
