There are several conditions that can lead to right-sided superior abdominal pain. The most prevalent cause of abdominal pain is intra-abdominal disorders. Problems with certain organs can lead to localized or diffuse pain throughout the abdomen. In some cases, the pain can occur in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, right below the ribs. Always remember that a right-sided abdominal pain can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the cause of the problem and the tissues that are involved.
Duodenal ulcer
It is a known fact that a duodenal ulcer can trigger the occurrence of pain in the right superior abdomen. An ulcer is described as an open sore or lesion that often occurs in the mucous membranes within the body. Ulcers that develop in the stomach are called as gastric ulcers while those that develop in the duodenum are called as duodenal ulcers.
The common signs and symptoms associated with a duodenal ulcer include burning or gnawing abdominal pain in the upper right abdomen that typically manifests between meals, nausea and vomiting, belching, weight loss, poor appetite, weakness and fatigue. The factors that can contribute to the development of duodenal ulcers include stress, Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, caffeine, smoking, intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol.
If you will enroll in a first aid class, you will learn measures that can help provide relief to the symptoms of the condition.
Volvulus
Volvulus can trigger right upper abdominal pain. This is a condition in which the intestines twist which can occur during childhood. Take note that volvulus can lead to intestinal blockage and can disrupt the flow of blood to a part of the intestines, resulting to damage. The common root of volvulus is a birth flaw known as intestinal malrotation. It is important to note that this birth defect will not always lead to volvulus but drastically increases the risk for developing the condition.
In case volvulus is going to occur, it typically manifests within the initial year. The common signs and symptoms linked with volvulus include tenderness or pain in the upper right abdomen, constipation, bloody stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, shock and vomiting green material.
Congestive hepatomegaly
Congestive hepatomegaly can lead to right upper stomach pain. This condition involves the backing up of blood within the liver. The common cause of congestive hepatomegaly is heart failure. In some cases, heart failure can cause the blood to back up from the heart into the inferior vena cava which is a large vein that drains blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart.
Take note that this congestion increases the pressure inside the inferior vena cava and accompanying veins that carry the blood such as the hepatic veins that drain blood from the liver. If the pressure is too high, the liver will become congested with blood and will start to malfunction. The common indications include mild pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, enlarged liver and even jaundice in severe cases.