Pain in the upper right abdomen under the ribs can have various causes. In some cases, it can be caused by inflammation of the gallbladder, which can be serious as it can indicate a condition such as gallstones or cholecystitis.
However, in this case, it is unlikely that gallbladder inflammation is causing the pain, as the gallbladder has been removed.
Other causes of pain in this area can include liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis; an ulcer; hernia; infection; chest wall pain; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); kidney stones; appendicitis; costochondritis; and several more.
In some cases, pain can occur without any apparent health issue.
If the pain is severe or persistent, it is best to see a doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis. Diagnostic tests such as a physical exam, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and/or blood tests may be ordered in order to determine the cause of the pain.
Treatment for the underlying health condition will depend upon the diagnosis.
Table of Contents
What causes upper right quadrant pain besides gallbladder?
Upper right quadrant pain can be caused by several different medical conditions. The pain is typically described as a deep, dull ache originating from the upper right abdomen or back. These causes include appendicitis, bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder), hernias, pancreatitis, hepatitis, liver disease, and kidney stones.
In rare cases, ulcers, stomach cancer and hyperthyroidism may be contributing factors. In more extreme cases, there may be an obstruction of the intestines or an abscess present.
Additionally, women may experience right upper quadrant pain associated with ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Auricular, or referring, pain can also be caused by irritation of the diaphragm and referred to the upper right abdomen.
Additionally, a hiatal hernia may cause pain in the region while a heart attack may cause pain to radiate to the back, shoulders and arms from the upper right abdominal region. Finally, rib injury can cause pain referred to the upper right abdomen or back.
It is always important to visit your doctor if you are experiencing upper right quadrant pain, as it can be caused by a wide variety of serious medical conditions.
What is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain?
The most common cause of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a type of liver disorder that occurs when the liver becomes overloaded with fat.
This can be caused by a variety of factors including high levels of dietary fat, excess body fat, a sedentary lifestyle, insulin resistance, and certain diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other potential causes of RUQ pain include biliary colic, gallstones, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and liver abscesses. In some cases, the exact cause of the pain cannot be determined, and treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms rather than eliminating the cause.
When should I worry about upper right quadrant pain?
If you’re experiencing upper right quadrant pain, it’s important to be aware of when to worry and when to seek medical attention. Upper right quadrant pain can be caused by a variety of different medical conditions, ranging from mild to serious.
Some of the more common culprits are gallstones, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), gallbladder inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome. It’s important to take any abdominal pain seriously and watch for any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
If the pain is mild and subsides after a few hours, then there is often no immediate cause for concern. However, if you experience intense, chronic or recurring upper right quadrant pain that does not respond to home remedies such as rest and ibuprofen, then it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor.
In addition, any abdominal pain that is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, bleeding or changes in bowel movements should always be brought to the attention of a medical professional.
By doing so, you can catch any potential health issues early and take appropriate measures to alleviate the pain and improve your overall health.
Can bowel issues cause upper right quadrant pain?
Yes, bowel issues can cause upper right quadrant (URQ) pain. Common bowel problems that can cause URQ pain include ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and intestinal obstruction.
These conditions can lead to inflammation of the intestine, which can in turn causeinflammation of the adjacent organs and tissues and cause URQ pain. The pain may or may not present with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation.
To determine whether bowel issues are causing URQ pain, your doctor may order tests such as an abdominal ultrasound or a colonoscopy. Additionally, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, probiotics, or medication to help manage symptoms, depending on the diagnosis.
When should I be concerned about pain under my right rib?
It is important to pay close attention to any pain you are feeling under your right rib and determine if the pain is severe or persistent enough to require medical attention. You should be especially concerned if the pain is sharp, intense, or constant, or if it is accompanied by any other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, swelling, or redness in the area.
Additionally, if the pain is localized to one spot, comes on suddenly, and is not getting better, then you should seek medical help. Other symptoms that may warrant medical attention can include sharp pain when you press on the area, pain when you move, muscle stiffness, and abdominal cramps.
If your pain is mild and intermittent and does not require medical treatment, then it is still important to take note, as the cause of your pain may be something minor, such as an injury or even a pulled muscle in the rib area.
What organ hurts under right rib cage?
The most common cause of pain under the right rib cage is a condition known as gallbladder disease. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen and is responsible for storing bile produced by the liver.
When the organ becomes blocked or infected, it can cause pain and inflammation in the area of the right rib cage. Other possible causes of pain in this region include liver disease, pancreatitis, an inflamed diaphragm, pleurisy, kidney stones, and a pulled muscle or rib fracture.
It is important to visit a qualified healthcare professional if you are experiencing pain under the right rib cage to determine the cause and determine the best treatment option.
Can your bowels make your right side hurt?
Yes, it is possible for your bowels to make your right side hurt. This can be due to a number of issues including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and ovarian cysts.
Constipation can cause a dull ache or cramp in the right side of your abdomen, while the other conditions mentioned can cause more severe pain on the right side, especially if they are in a flare up state.
If you are experiencing pain on the right side of your abdomen it is important to contact your healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
Can IBS cause pain under right rib cage?
Yes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause pain or discomfort under the rib cage on the right side of the body. The pain or discomfort can range from mild to severe and can be a sign of inflammation in the intestine or in the digestive tract.
Common symptoms associated with IBS-related pain may include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, pain in the lower back, and constipation. It is important to seek medical care to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The most common treatment for IBS-related pain is lifestyle modifications such as avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, drinking more water, exercising regularly, and getting adequate rest. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Why does my stomach hurt right under my right rib cage?
Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including indigestion, infection, or even a stomach ulcer. Sometimes the pain may be mild and go away on its own, or it may be more severe and indicate a medical condition that needs to be addressed.
If you are experiencing stomach pain underneath your right rib cage, it is important to speak with a medical professional to determine the cause.
Potential sources of stomach pain under the right rib cage could include liver diseases such as hepatitis or Cirrhosis, gallbladder issues such as gallstones, certain types of pancreatic diseases, appendicitis, constipation, gas, muscle pain, and peptic ulcers.
Depending on the cause, stomach pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor may order imaging tests, laboratory tests, and a physical examination to help diagnose the condition.
If the pain is caused by a minor issue such as indigestion, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and stress relief. If the pain is related to a more serious problem, then your doctor may suggest further treatments such as antibiotics, surgery, or medications.
Depending on the cause and the severity of the condition, it may take a few days to a few weeks for the pain to go away.
In order to determine the cause of your stomach pain, it is important to speak with a medical professional. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you and help you find relief from the discomfort.
Should I go to the ER for upper right abdominal pain?
Whether or not to go to the emergency room for upper right abdominal pain is a decision that should ultimately be made by consulting a doctor. Before doing so, it is important to try to understand what is causing the abdominal pain.
Possible causes of upper right abdominal pain include disorders related to the gallbladder, such as gallstones, inflammation, and infection. It could also be caused by problems in the liver, pancreas, or small intestine.
If you are experiencing other symptoms along with abdominal pain in your right upper abdomen, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice, then it is advisable to go to the ER right away. Additionally, if the abdominal pain is severe, persists and is not relieved by over the counter medications or if you think the pain is life-threatening, then you should go to the ER.
If the pain is more mild, then it may be beneficial to wait to see a doctor or try to treat the pain with over the counter medications first. In some instances, the pain may improve on its own or with home treatment.
Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and available options for treatment.
How do I know if my upper stomach pain is serious?
If you are experiencing upper stomach pain, it is important to pay close attention to the other symptoms you may be experiencing. If the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, or difficulty swallowing, then you should speak to your doctor about your condition as soon as possible.
Additionally, if the upper stomach pain is accompanied by bloody stool or vomit, sudden weight loss, or tenderness when pressing the stomach, this could be a sign of a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention immediately.
To ensure that you are properly assessed for any health concerns, it is important to speak to your doctor about any extra symptoms you may be experiencing in combination with your upper stomach pain.
What are the red flags for abdominal pain?
When it comes to abdominal pain, there are a number of potential red flags which should warrant further investigation. Depending on the severity and other associated symptoms, these may include:
1. Abdominal pain which is severe and unrelenting, or pain that is accompanied by nausea and/or fever.
2. Abdominal pain which is localised to just one area of the abdomen, alongside a fever and vomiting.
3. Pain that worsens after eating or when lying down.
4. Abdominal pain that comes on quickly and is accompanied by dizziness, sweating and/or fainting.
5. Abdominal pain associated with chest or shoulder pain.
6. Pain that is accompanied by distinct changes in urine colour, frequency and/or volume.
7. Bowel changes such as constipation, diarrhoea and/or painful bowel movements.
8. Symptoms of jaundice, including yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
9. Abdominal pain with associated swelling, the development of lumps or unexplained weight loss.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. It is important to have any abdominal pain checked out, especially when the pain has been going on for an extended period of time.
It could potentially be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
Can upper abdominal pain be appendicitis?
Yes, upper abdominal pain can be a symptom of appendicitis. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ that is located near the large intestine. Appendicitis causes an array of symptoms, including localized pain in the upper-right abdomen (near the belly button), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, and abdominal bloating.
If the appendix ruptures, then the individual may experience a sudden, intense pain in the right lower abdomen and require emergency surgery. Other symptoms of appendicitis can include pain that travels to the lower right abdomen and groin, diarrhea, constipation, and fever.
Pain may also worsen during coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It is important to note that appendicitis is a serious medical condition and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms, please seek medical help promptly.
