[37M] Experiencing dull ache in lower right abdomen

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

• Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It's located in the lower right abdomen, which matches the location of your pain. Symptoms typically include a dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen, but not everyone has these typical symptoms. It's usually accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever, but you haven't reported these symptoms.

  • Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix. Antibiotics are also given before an appendectomy to fight possible peritonitis.

• Muscular strain or injury: This could be due to physical activity or coughing, which you mentioned can aggravate your pain.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, you haven't reported diarrhea or vomiting.

  • Treatment usually involves rest and rehydration. Over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms.

• Kidney stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be in the back or side below the ribs, the lower abdomen and groin, and can vary in intensity.

  • Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention. While your symptoms could be due to a less serious condition such as a muscular strain, they could also be due to appendicitis, which is a medical emergency.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Increased intensity of your abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal bloating

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.