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Published on: 8/20/2026

What are common causes of pain in the lower right abdomen?

Appendicitis is a common and serious cause of pain in the lower right abdomen, but it's far from the only one. Other potential causes include ovarian cysts, kidney stones, hernias, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenteritis. Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, identifying the correct cause quickly matters.

If you're experiencing lower right abdominal pain, don't guess—get informed. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes based on your specific symptoms, understand the urgency of your situation, and decide whether to see a doctor, visit urgent care, or head to the ER. It's a smart, no-cost first step toward clarity and peace of mind.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Common causes of pain located in the lower right abdomen include:

  • Appendicitis: a condition that can cause sharp pain in the lower right abdomen due to inflammation of the appendix and requires immediate medical attention as it may lead to serious complications if left untreated.
  • Constipation: a common digestive condition characterized by difficulty passing stool or infrequent bowel movements, which can cause discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
  • Inflammatory bowel conditions: these chronic diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the main types. These conditions can cause abdominal pain and other digestive symptoms that may significantly impact daily life.
  • Mesenteric adenitis: an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen, particularly common in children. It often causes pain in the lower right abdomen that can mimic appendicitis.
  • Reproductive organ issues in women such as ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, or ectopic pregnancy

While this list represents some common causes, there are many other possible causes of pain in the lower right abdomen. If pain is severe, does not go away, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms to help understand what might be causing your discomfort and determine whether you should seek immediate medical care.

(References)

  • Purysko AS, Remer EM, Filho HM, Bittencourt LK, Lima RV, Racy DJ. Beyond appendicitis: common and uncommon gastrointestinal causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain at multidetector CT. Radiographics. 2011 Jul-Aug;31(4):927-47. doi: 10.1148/rg.314105065. PMID: 21768232.

  • Hatipoglu S, Hatipoglu F, Abdullayev R. Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age: clinical clues. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Apr 14;20(14):4043-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.4043. PMID: 24744594; PMCID: PMC3983461.

  • Lambropoulos V, Papageorgiou I, Kepertis C, Sfoungaris D, Spyridakis I. Uncommon Surgical Causes Of Right Lower Quadrant Pain In Children. Single Center Experience. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 May;9(5):PR01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/12449.5913. Epub 2015 May 1. PMID: 26155519; PMCID: PMC4484111.

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