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What to do if…
you have steadily worsening pain in the lower right side of your abdomen

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Seek medical help right away for steadily worsening pain in the lower right side of your abdomen; an ER is a practical choice. Call 911 now if the pain is severe, you faint or feel close to fainting, you are confused, you have trouble breathing, you have severe or persistent vomiting, or you cannot travel safely.

Do not do these things

  • Do not sleep it off or wait for another meal if the pain is steadily worsening.
  • Do not use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments to try to relieve the symptoms.
  • Do not start leftover antibiotics or take someone else’s medication.
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, dizzy, confused, very weak, or severely unwell.
  • Do not delay leaving while you look for paperwork, pack a bag, or try to work out the cause yourself.

What to do now

  1. Arrange assessment right away. Go to an ER. Call 911 instead if the pain is severe, suddenly becomes much worse, or you cannot travel safely. If this is for a child, tell the ER or 911 call-taker the child’s age and call 911 if the child is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, cannot stand or walk, or seems seriously unwell.
  2. Tell the clinician if pregnancy is possible, even if you are unsure. Go to the ER now, especially if the pain comes with vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
  3. Make a brief symptom note while transport is being arranged. Include when the pain started, where it is now, whether it moved, whether it is worsening, and whether you have nausea, vomiting, fever, bowel changes, urinary symptoms, or vaginal bleeding. Do not delay leaving to complete the note.
  4. Take your medication and allergy list if it is easy to reach. Tell the clinician what you have taken today and about any previous abdominal surgery or relevant medical conditions.
  5. Call 911 if your condition worsens before you leave. This includes fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, or pain that becomes severe. Follow the 911 call-taker’s instructions and stay on the line until you are told to hang up.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out whether this is appendicitis, a kidney stone, a pelvic problem, constipation, or another cause.
  • You do not need to finish work, errands, or household tasks before seeking care.
  • You do not need to decide which tests or treatments you may need before you have been assessed.

Important reassurance

Seeking prompt care for steadily worsening pain in this area is a reasonable protective step. You do not need to be certain of the cause before asking for help.

Scope note

These are first steps for the immediate next steps only. An in-person clinician may need to examine you and may recommend tests or specialist care.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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