Right Upper Abdominal Pain
Learn about the causes and evaluation of pain in the upper right abdomen under the ribs.
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain
Right upper abdominal pain is discomfort felt under your right ribs. This is a symptom, not a diagnosis, that can range from a dull pressure to sharp, wave-like attacks. Because many organs are located in this area, understanding the pattern of your pain is an important step in finding the cause and getting the right care.
Why Right Upper Abdominal Pain Happens
This pain often occurs when an organ in the upper right part of the belly is inflamed, blocked, or irritated. The gallbladder is a frequent source of this discomfort, but other digestive or medical issues can also cause pain in this specific location.
Structural Causes
• Gallstones or blocked bile flow
• Inflammation of the gallbladder or liver
• Stomach issues like ulcers or gastritis
• Kidney stones or kidney infections
• Abdominal wall strain
Factors that worsen it
• Eating fatty or rich foods
• Consuming large meals
Do not wait for a routine visit if you have warning signs like yellow skin, fever, or severe, constant pain.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Several conditions can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen.
Gallstones or inflammation can cause pain that often moves to the back or right shoulder.
Inflammation or infection of the liver can cause discomfort in this area.
Problems like stomach ulcers or gastritis may be felt in the upper abdomen.
Inflammation of the pancreas or kidney stones can cause pain in the upper right side of the belly.
Conditions like pneumonia or abdominal wall strain can sometimes mimic abdominal pain.
Evaluating Your Symptoms
Dr. Dunn performs a thorough evaluation to understand the source of your pain. This process focuses on your clinical history and the results of specific tests.
Reviewing when the pain starts, how long it lasts, and what triggers it helps guide the next steps.
This is often the first test used to look for gallstones or signs of gallbladder inflammation.
This test measures how well the gallbladder empties and how bile flows through the system.
CT or MRI scans provide a broader view of the abdomen if the cause of pain is unclear.
What can be done about it
Treatment options are based on the specific cause of your pain and your overall health goals. If the gallbladder is the clear source of symptoms, surgery to remove it may be discussed. For other conditions, such as ulcers or kidney issues, different medical treatments are usually considered first. Your care plan is personalized to address the underlying issue.
When to See a Specialist
Understanding when to seek professional evaluation can help you manage your symptoms effectively.
See a specialist if you have:
• You have repeated episodes of pain under the right ribs
• Your pain often happens after eating fatty meals
• You experience nausea or vomiting with the pain
• The pain moves to your back or right shoulder
• You have abnormal test results that need review
Seek urgent care if you have:
• You have severe pain that gets worse quickly
• You have a fever or chills
• Your skin or eyes look yellow
• You have dark urine or pale stools
• You cannot keep fluids down due to vomiting
• You feel faint, confused, or very weak
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing
• You see blood in your vomit or have black, tarry stools
• Your belly feels rigid or very tender
Not sure if you qualify?
A consultation with Dr. Dunn takes 45–60 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what's causing it — and whether there's a lasting solution available.
After Your Evaluation
Once a cause is identified, you will have a clear path forward for managing your symptoms.
Keeping a log of what you eat and when pain occurs can help monitor your progress.
Regular check-ins ensure that your treatment plan is working or if further tests are needed.
Whether you need surgery or medical management, your care is tailored to your specific needs.
Questions About Right Upper Abdominal Pain
Discomfort in this area may indicate a problem with the gallbladder, liver, or bile ducts. It can also be related to issues in the stomach, pancreas, kidneys, colon, or even the heart and lungs. A medical evaluation helps determine which organ is the likely source of your symptoms.
A surgical evaluation helps clarify if your pain is caused by a condition that requires an operation, such as gallbladder disease. Dr. Dunn reviews your medical history and test results to help reach a diagnosis before recommending treatment. This process helps avoid unnecessary surgery and identifies when other medical care is needed.
Doctors often start with a gallbladder ultrasound to look for stones or signs of inflammation. If the ultrasound is unclear, a HIDA scan may be used to check how well the gallbladder is functioning. Blood tests and other imaging like a CT scan can also help rule out issues with other organs.
You should seek urgent care if you experience severe, constant pain or a fever. Other warning signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, and dark urine. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or a blockage that requires immediate medical attention.
