Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

More Info

---

Right abdominal pain can be a complex issue, especially when it persists for weeks and is accompanied by a history of liver conditions such as chronic hepatitis B and C. Given your mother's symptoms, it's essential to consider several potential causes and the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment.


Possible Causes of Right Abdominal Pain
1. Hepatic Issues: Given your mother's history of chronic hepatitis B and C, liver-related issues could be a significant factor. While her recent ultrasounds and blood tests have been normal, liver conditions can sometimes present with pain even when initial tests do not show abnormalities. Conditions such as liver inflammation or fatty liver disease could still be contributing to her discomfort.

2. Biliary Tract Disorders: Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can cause pain in the right upper quadrant that may radiate to the right lower abdomen. Symptoms often include pain after eating fatty meals, but they can also present as persistent discomfort.

3. Renal Issues: Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) can cause severe pain that often radiates to the lower abdomen and back. If the pain is sharp and comes in waves, this could be a possibility. The presence of blood in the urine or changes in urinary habits would further support this diagnosis.

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could also cause right-sided abdominal pain. Appendicitis typically presents with acute pain that starts around the navel and then shifts to the right lower quadrant, but chronic conditions can also manifest as ongoing discomfort.

5. Musculoskeletal Issues: Sometimes, pain in the abdominal area can be related to muscle strain or other musculoskeletal issues, especially if there has been any recent physical activity or strain.

6. Hernias: Given your mother's history of surgery for a hernia, there is a possibility of a recurrence or the development of another hernia, which can cause localized pain.


When to Seek Help
Given that your mother has experienced severe pain requiring pain relief injections and that her discomfort has persisted for 2-3 weeks, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation. Here are some steps to consider:
- Consult a Gastroenterologist: Since the pain is in the abdominal area, a gastroenterologist would be well-equipped to evaluate potential gastrointestinal causes. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as a CT scan, to get a clearer picture of the abdominal organs.

- Urology Consultation: If kidney stones are suspected, a urologist can perform tests such as a renal ultrasound or CT scan to assess the kidneys and urinary tract.

- Regular Monitoring: Given her chronic liver conditions, it’s essential that she continues regular follow-ups with her hepatologist or primary care physician to monitor her liver health and any potential complications.


Conclusion
In summary, right abdominal pain can arise from various causes, especially in someone with a complex medical history like your mother. It is essential to pursue further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of her symptoms. Given the persistence and severity of her pain, seeking a specialist's opinion is advisable to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management. Regular follow-ups and monitoring of her liver condition are also crucial to her overall health.