Side pain can be a symptom of a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions, such as infection , infarction, inflammation, indigestion, trauma, intestinal obstruction, and cancer. Side pain can occur on one or both sides of the torso at a time.
What does a side ache mean?
A side stitch is an intense stabbing abdominal pain under the lower edge of the ribcage that occurs during exercise. It is also called a side ache, side cramp, muscle stitch, or simply stitch, and the medical term is exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).
What is a side ache caused by?
The exact cause of a side stitch is unknown . Some studies show that a movement of blood to the diaphragm or muscles during physical activity can lead to a side stitch. But other research shows that an irritation of the lining of the abdominal and pelvic cavity may be the cause.
How do you get rid of a side ache?
If you get a side cramp, the best way to treat it on the spot is to decrease your speed or to stop exercising entirely and rest for a few minutes . Deep breathing and bending forward, as well as simple stretching, should alleviate the symptoms.
What can cause side pain in a woman?
In women, pelvic pain may be a sign of menstrual cramps, ovulation , or a gastrointestinal issue such as a food intolerance. It can also develop due to a more serious problem. Sometimes, pelvic pain is an indicator of an infection or issue with the reproductive system or other organs in the area.
When should I worry about side pain?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have side, back or abdominal pain after trauma or injury , shortness of breath, blood in your vomit or stools, dizziness or fainting, sudden abdominal swelling, or chest pain, which may radiate to your shoulder blades, jaw, or left arm.
What does pancreatic pain feel like?
The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking . May become constant, severe , and last for several days.
What could hurt on your right side?
Common causes of right-sided abdominal pain include: Liver disease, liver cancer, or liver infection . These conditions can cause pain in the right side of your upper abdomen. Upper-right abdominal pain is usually dull and chronic.
Why is my right side hurting under my ribs?
A sudden, sharp pain under the right rib cage can be a sign of gallstones . These are small stones of bile or cholesterol that are made in the gallbladder (a small organ located just below the liver). Gallstones are common in adults but don’t usually cause symptoms.
Where do you feel liver pain?
Most people feel it as a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen . Liver pain can also feel like a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling, and occasionally people feel radiating liver pain in their back or in their right shoulder blade.
How do I get rid of pain in my right abdomen?
- Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
- Soak in a warm bath. ...
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
- Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
Where is flank pain?
Flank pain affects the area on either side of the lower back, between the pelvis and the ribs . Pain in the flanks can result from several conditions, diseases and injuries. Kidney stones, infection and muscle strains are common causes of flank pain.
How do you get rid of gas pains in your side?
- Move. Walk around. ...
- Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.
- Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas. ...
- Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids. ...
- Herbs. ...
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- Apple cider vinegar.
How do I know if abdominal pain is serious?
- Constant or severe abdominal pain.
- Pain associated with a high fever.
- Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another.
Can you fart with appendicitis?
An Inability to Pass Gas Is a Sign of Appendicitis
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis, a serious infection caused by inflammation of your appendix. Other warning signs include being unable to pass gas, constipation, vomiting, and fever.
How do you know if pelvic pain is serious?
Sharp pelvic pain or cramps (particularly on one side), vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness are symptoms. Get medical help right away. This is a life-threatening emergency.
