Suffering from pain behind the ribs on the right side of the stomach can be a very unsettling experience. Although the abdomen contains several organs, determining the precise source of this pain is essential for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Let’s examine the top 8 causes of pain on right side of stomach under ribs.
- Gastritis and Gastrointestinal Issues
A common cause of pain on right side under ribs is inflammation of the stomach lining or gastritis. An irritation or inflammation of the stomach can result from a breach in its protective shell. Furthermore, pain in this area may be indicative of diseases such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The condition known as GERD causes stomach acid to reflux into the oesophagus, and peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the inside lining of the stomach. There may be different pain levels, irritation, and burning in either case.
- Gallbladder Issues and Gallstones
The gallbladder, which is located beneath the liver, is essential for holding and excreting bile that facilitates digestion. Gallstones are tiny solid particles that block the passage of bile and may cause pain under the ribcage on the right side of the body. The pain that follows can be severe and sharp, and nausea and vomiting are common side effects. Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, can worsen the pain in more severe cases and necessitate rapid medical attention and even surgery.
While more severe cases, such as cholecystitis, may need surgical removal of the gallbladder, managing gallstone-related discomfort typically entails dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Liver Disorders and Inflammation
When diseases or inflammation damage the liver, an essential organ that is responsible for many metabolic processes, it can cause sudden, sharp pain under the right rib cage and in the back. It is possible for diseases such as fatty liver disease and hepatitis, which cause inflammation of the liver, to aggravate the pain beneath the right rib cage. Viral infections, alcoholism, and autoimmune disorders can all cause hepatitis, although obesity and metabolic syndrome are frequently linked to fatty liver disease.
To avoid problems, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Treatment may include changing one’s lifestyle, using medicine to control symptoms, and addressing the underlying problem.
- Appendicitis: A Silent Threat
Appendicitis can occasionally induce pain that spreads upward beneath the rib cage despite being most often linked with lower right abdominal pain. An acute infection or inflammation of the appendix, a tiny organ in the lower proper belly, can cause excruciating discomfort. Since appendicitis frequently necessitates surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, it is critical to recognize symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, tenderness, and fever and to get medical attention as soon as possible.
As a medical emergency, appendicitis requires immediate attention to avoid complications like rupture.
- Kidney Issues and Renal Colic
Despite the kidneys’ location in the back, problems with them can cause pain to radiate to the front, notably the right side under the ribs. Renal colic, sometimes linked to kidney stones, can cause intense discomfort that spreads throughout the abdomen. Nephrolithiasis impairs urine flow and causes excruciating pain when it lodges in the urinary tract. Infections or inflammation linked to the kidneys may be a factor in this area of discomfort.
Hydration, painkillers, and occasional operations to dissolve or remove the stones are all part of the management of discomfort associated with kidney stones.
- Musculoskeletal Causes and Strained Muscles
Some pain on the right side under the ribs towards the back at night is musculoskeletal rather than internal organ concerns. One may have localized pain from strained muscles, fractured ribs, or inflammation of the costal cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. Breathing profoundly or moving around a lot can increase this kind of pain.
Rest, pain medication, and, occasionally, physical therapy are the mainstays of treatment, which aims to expedite healing and avert relapse.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are examples of inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause pain and discomfort in the abdomen, notably under the right ribs. These chronic inflammatory disorders affect the digestive tract, consisting of ulcers, bowel abnormalities, and inflammation.
A multifaceted approach is required to manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes taking anti-inflammatory drugs, changing one’s diet, and even undergoing surgery to treat problems.
- Pleurisy and Respiratory Causes
The area beneath the right rib cage may also hurt due to the lungs and adjacent structures. The inflammation of the membranes covering the lungs, known as pleurisy, can produce a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens when you breathe or cough. Discomfort in this area may also result from respiratory infections or illnesses like pneumonia.
Taking care of the underlying illness, controlling symptoms, and allowing enough time for rest and recovery are all common steps in treating respiratory problems.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, a dull pain under the right rib cage that comes and goes is a sign that requires immediate treatment and careful examination. Understanding the wide range of possible causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders. It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is suffering severe or persistent pain in this area to identify the underlying reason and begin appropriate treatment.
