Where does abdominal pain in typhoid fever occur?

Abdominal pain in typhoid fever typically occurs in the right lower quadrant.

Typhoid fever is an intestinal infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi, primarily transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. After infection with Salmonella typhi, common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. The abdominal pain, particularly in the right lower abdomen, arises because this area corresponds to the location of the cecum.

The cecum is situated at the beginning of the large intestine, connected to the terminal end of the small intestine, and lies in the right lower abdomen. When inflammation is triggered by Salmonella typhi infection, tissues surrounding the cecum may become inflamed, leading to localized abdominal pain. As the inflammation progresses, patients may experience persistent dull pain or intermittent severe pain in the right lower abdomen—this pain is often one of the characteristic manifestations of typhoid fever.

The severity and nature of abdominal pain in typhoid fever can vary among individuals; some patients may feel a constant dull ache, while others may experience episodic sharp pain. In addition to abdominal pain, typhoid fever commonly presents with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Therefore, when right lower abdominal pain occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to determine the exact cause and initiate appropriate management. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate symptoms, prevent disease progression, and improve the chances of recovery.