Possible Causes

• Abdominal pain on the right side may be attributed to several maladies, some serious and some not. Abdominal pain on the right side, for example, may be indigestion, gas pain or constipation. However, abdominal pain, especially on the right side, may be the sign of a more serious illness like appendicitis, pancreatitis, food poisoning, gallstones, ectopic pregnancy, diverticulitis, viral hepatitis, kidney stones, gallstones, gastritis, stomach ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Chron's disease, lactose intolerance, urinary tract infection or hiatal hernia.
  
  

Additional Symptoms

• It is important to identify any additional symptoms in order to determine whether your abdominal pain is serious. If you are experiencing bloody stools, bloody vomit or a high fever, you could have a potentially serious illness. See a doctor immediately. If your abdominal pain comes with other less serious flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all, wait a few days. If your abdominal pain continues, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are unable to sit still because of the pain, or are uncomfortable with the level of pain you are experiencing, see your health care provider.
  
  

Avoid Trigger Foods

• If you are experiencing abdominal pain immediately after you eat, the pain can probably be narrowed down to a digestion issue. Try to cut down on foods that are causing you abdominal pain, which may be dairy, spicy foods or high-fat foods. If your abdominal pain disappears after cutting these foods from your diet, you may be suffering from acid reflux or lactose intolerance. See your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and discuss changes in your diet with a doctor or nutritionist.
  
  

Time Frame

• Some potentially serious illnesses manifest quickly, such as kidney infections, urinary tract infections and appendicitis. It is important, especially in the early observation of your symptoms, to take your temperature regularly and to drink plenty of water. If you are approaching a serious illness, your body will likely let you know within the first few hours of your symptoms. Keep an eye out for bloody stools and vomit, and see a doctor if you are feeling feverish, faint or dizzy.
  
  

Warning: Ride Side Abdominal Pain

• It is possible to have a serious abdominal illness while having no symptoms other than abdominal pain. If you have abdominal pain lasting more than three days, see a doctor as soon as possible. It is possible to have a serious illness that does not include bloody stool, vomit, or a fever. The illnesses listed above are many, but not all of the illnesses associated with abdominal pain. Discuss your symptoms with a doctor.