Do you experience sharp pain under your right rib cage and are unsure whether to take it seriously? The part of your body below your right rib cage is the upper right quadrant (RUQ). Pain in this area can affect nearby organs, including the right kidney, gallbladder, and liver. Although not every kind of pain is anything to worry about, it’s essential to know what is causing it and when to see a doctor.
Pain under the right rib cage: Should I get medical help?
Ask yourself the following questions if you have pain under the right rib cage:
- Is the pain severe or persistent?
- Do you also have a fever?
- Are you short of breath?
- Is there blood in your stool?
- Did you cough up blood?
- Is your urine darker and stool lighter than usual?
- Do you have jaundice?
- Have you lost weight?
Immediately visit a doctor if you answer “yes” to any of these questions because these symptoms could be a sign of a serious medical condition. But if your answer is “no” to these questions, read along to know the possible causes of the pain below your right rib cage.
Sudden sharp pain in right side under ribs: Causes
Sudden sharp pain under the right rib cage can be alarming, especially when it’s unexpected. The discomfort right side under ribs may feel like a dull ache, stabbing sensation, or intermittent throbbing depending on the underlying cause. One of the most common and benign reasons for pain in right side under ribs is gas accumulation, particularly near the hepatic flexure of the colon. This area of the large intestine sits close to the rib cage and, when filled with gas, can create pressure and lead to ache under ribs right side, especially after eating or if you frequently deal with bloating and gastrointestinal upset.
Another frequent culprit is muscle strain. The intercostal muscles—those small muscles between the ribs—can become strained through sudden movement, poor posture, or physical exertion. A pulled muscle can result in discomfort right side under ribs, particularly when breathing deeply, twisting, or bending. In such cases, the ache under ribs right side might intensify with movement and improve with rest.
More serious conditions include inflammation or infection of organs located on the right side, such as the liver, gallbladder, or kidney. Gallstones, for instance, may trigger sudden pain in right side under ribs, especially after a fatty meal. Similarly, liver inflammation (hepatitis) or a kidney stone passing through the urinary tract may cause localized pain and tenderness.
If your pain in right side under ribs is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or yellowing of the skin, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation. While not all instances of discomfort right side under ribs are emergencies, some may indicate conditions that require prompt treatment.
Discomfort Right Side Under Ribs
Experiencing discomfort right side under ribs can range from a mild nuisance to a signal of a more serious health issue. This type of pain may be fleeting or persistent, sharp or dull, depending on the root cause. Sometimes, this discomfort is related to digestion, such as trapped gas or constipation, especially if accompanied by bloating or irregular bowel movements. However, it can also stem from musculoskeletal issues like a pulled rib muscle or inflammation from repetitive motions, such as lifting heavy objects or frequent coughing. If the discomfort right side under ribs becomes worse after meals, it could point toward gallbladder dysfunction, while pain triggered by motion or touch might suggest a muscle strain. Keeping a record of your symptoms, their triggers, and duration can help your healthcare provider determine the right course of action.
Pain below the right cage: When is it an emergency?
Sometimes, sharp pain in the right upper quadrant can signify a serious medical condition. In most cases, people have developed gallstones when they experience excruciating pain after eating a large meal. This condition occurs when there’s excessive cholesterol in the bile.
Liver problems can also cause pain near the right rib cage. They can be due to an abscess formation, hepatitis, or cancerous growth. Their symptoms typically include nausea, fever, tenderness near the affected area, dark urine, and fatigue.
You can also experience this pain due to kidney problems, including cancer, infection, and kidney stones formation. Symptoms include fever, nausea, fatigue, blood in urine, and pain while urinating.
If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, visit a qualified health professional as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If you face sharp, sudden pain in the right upper quadrant or under the right rib cage, please visit EPIC Heart and Vascular Center. EPIC is dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart conditions that cause symptoms like discomfort right side under ribs or pain on right side under ribs. Using advanced technology such as ECGs, stress tests, and state-of-the-art imaging, our expert team works to uncover the root cause of your discomfort and ensure your heart is in the best health possible. For your convenience, we offer care at three locations: Houston North West (📞 832-432-1951), Tomball/Willowbrook (📞 832-304-2070), and Richmond (📞 832-645-8992).
Don’t wait until it’s too late—if you’re experiencing pains under right rib cage or any heart-related symptoms. Your health is too important to delay, so call now to schedule your appointment.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms or medical concerns.