Health

Uncovering the Mystery Behind Right Side Ribcage Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Beth Mole

https://youtu.be/3xP4vmjcn1s

Introduction:

Pain under your right rib cage, also known as the upper right quadrant, can be caused by various medical conditions that affect the organs in this area. While a sudden sharp pain may be a sign of gallstones or kidney stones, liver disorders, pancreatitis, and digestive problems can also cause discomfort in the right side of the ribcage. In rare cases, heart and lung issues or cancer may be the underlying cause of the pain. It is important to consult a doctor if the pain is severe and persistent, as some of these conditions can be serious and require immediate treatment.

Gallstones and Cholecystitis:

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. They are common in adults but usually don’t cause symptoms. However, in some cases, gallstones can block the flow of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, and cause a condition called cholecystitis or swollen gallbladder. Cholecystitis can lead to symptoms such as a fever, ongoing pain under the right ribcage, and yellowing of the skin. Other symptoms may include a high temperature, a rapid heartbeat, and pain that travels up to your shoulder.

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Kidney Problems:

Certain kidney problems can also trigger pain under the right ribcage. A kidney stone is a small, hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidney and can cause severe pain when it gets trapped in the urinary tract. Kidney stones can cause pain in the lower back or groin, as well as other symptoms such as blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and frequent urges to urinate.

Liver Disorders:

Liver disorders, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease, can cause pain in the upper right quadrant. Cirrhosis is a condition that occurs when liver tissue is scarred by long-term heavy drinking or a virus that damages the liver. Fatty liver is often caused by heavy drinking or a poor diet, and can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Hepatitis is another liver disorder that occurs when the liver becomes inflamed, often due to a viral infection. Symptoms of hepatitis may include a fever, itchy or yellowing skin, reduced appetite, and fatigue.

Pancreas Problems:

The pancreas is a gland located just below the liver that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. A condition called pancreatitis or pancreas inflammation can cause pain in the upper right quadrant towards the middle of the stomach. Pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol abuse, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, or certain medications. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Digestive Problems:

Right side ribcage pain can occasionally be caused by simple indigestion or heartburn. Indigestion is a common digestive problem that can cause chest discomfort and a dull pain in the stomach area following a meal. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can be caused by acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

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Shingles:

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It typically causes pain and an itchy rash on one side of the body, including the area under the ribs. Shingles can also cause other symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.

Heart and Lung Issues:

Although heart trouble.

FAQs:

What are some common causes of pain under the right rib cage?

Gallstones, kidney stones, liver disorders, pancreatitis, and digestive problems such as indigestion and heartburn are some common causes of pain in the right ribcage area.

What are the symptoms of gallstones and cholecystitis?

Symptoms of gallstones and cholecystitis may include a sudden sharp pain under the right ribcage, a fever, ongoing pain, and yellowing of the skin. Other symptoms may include a high temperature, a rapid heartbeat, and pain that travels up to the shoulder.

How do I know if I have a kidney stone?

Symptoms of a kidney stone may include severe pain in the lower back or groin, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and frequent urges to urinate.

What are the symptoms of liver disorders?

Symptoms of liver disorders may include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, a fever, itchy or yellowing skin, and reduced appetite.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Symptoms of pancreatitis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

How do I know if I have indigestion or heartburn?

Symptoms of indigestion may include chest discomfort and a dull pain in the stomach area following a meal. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can be caused by acid reflux.

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What are the symptoms of shingles?

Symptoms of shingles may include pain and an itchy rash on one side of the body, including the area under the ribs. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and fatigue.

What should I do if I have severe and persistent pain under my right rib cage?

If you have severe and persistent pain under your right rib cage, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Some of the conditions that can cause pain in this area can be serious and require immediate treatment.


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