How can i tell if my lower right abdominal pain is serious?

[Natalie30]

For the last few weeks, I’ve been getting a sharp, stabbing pain in my lower right abdomen. It comes and goes, but it’s worse when I move suddenly or cough. I’m not sure if this is just a muscle pull or something I should be more concerned about.

[FrankS]

I had something similar once after a bad cough—felt like a sharp stab in the lower right. At first I thought it was a pulled muscle, and it did hurt more when I moved fast. It slowly eased up after a few days with lighter activity and some rest.

[JeffreyLH]

If the pain comes with fever, vomiting, or you can’t keep fluids down, or it gets suddenly worse and you can’t walk, those are red flags and you should seek urgent care or ER.

[Ella_G]

Have you noticed any other symptoms like nausea, fever, changes in bowel habits, or a lump you can feel?

[DonaldQS]

I also once wondered if it was just a hernia I forgot about, since those can feel similar when you cough or strain. It wasn’t—at least not then—but that made me pause and not assume it was just a muscle.

[Brian_H]

Honestly I’d stay cautious and get checked if it keeps up for more than a day or two, especially with movement or coughing.