Pain in Right Side Under Ribs: Major Symptom of 10 Chronic Disease

Illnesses and problems with internal organs can create pain in right side under ribs. The pain can be light and disappear on its own, or a stabbing pain that lasts longer.

Therefore, a lot of nights and days are painful, along with health complications.

Ribs pain is the primary symptom of many chronic diseases. Thus, you should not ignore this pain. For instance, if you are experiencing rib pain or rib cage aching. Then you might be suffering from severe pneumonia or inflamed appendicitis.

That’s why, you should consult your healthcare expert.

This article covers all the unhealthy conditions that can result in back pain, rib pain, and aching rib cages.

Table of Content

What Organ is on Your Right Side under Your Ribs?

Several vital organs of the body are located under the rib cage. Mainly right quadrant covers most of the organs. 

Here is the list of organs that are present under the right rib cage:

  • Pancreas
  • Gallbladder
  • Intestines
  • Right kidney
  • Liver
natural pain relief

When Should I be worried about Right Side Pain?

People used to ignore their minor body changes or some short-term symptoms. Indeed, it is worst to neglect early disease symptoms. Therefore, a person may suffer from major health complications!

You should never ignore your rib’s pain. Possibly it is the sign of some sudden body shock.

If you have light and temporary pain. Probably, it could be that your liver or gallbladder are infected. If you have stabbing pain under your ribs, you can suffer from appendicitis.

Indeed, pain under the right or left side of the rib cage is always dangerous. Usually, it’s a warning sign of developing the disease. For instance, Pneumonia, Gallstones, herniation, or even liver cancer.

Back pain — pain in right side under ribs

Moreover, stabbing pain on the right side of the abdomen usually indicates appendicitis. In that case, death is possible.

Thus, you should see a healthcare professional if you are experiencing rib pain or achy ribs.

Why Do You Have Pain in Right Side Under Ribs?

Several vital organs are located under the right ribs. Sometimes, these organs face any infection or complications. Thus, it results in severe health disease if you ignored symptoms.

Due to this, you may experience rib, under-rib, or back pain as well as achy rib cages.

Indeed, bodies experience ribs pain in response to severe organs diseases.

What Causes Pain under Ribs?

As I mentioned in the above content. Pain beneath the ribs is caused by infections or diseases of the internal organs.

Along with defects in organs and structural deviations. Malnutrition also produces pain in the ribs and back. Furthermore, rib cages and bones can be achy due to cold days, accidents, surgeries, and trauma.

If you have pain in right side under ribs, you may have one of the diseases listed below.

Gallbladder Disorder (Right Upper Quadrant Pain Under Ribs)

A gallbladder is a green color organ that looks like a pear. It is situated in the right upper quadrant underneath the liver. 

The pain in the ribs can be mild to chronic. Arises due to gallbladder disorders such as chronic choledocholithiasis or gallstones.

Indeed, gallstones are small crystal-like hard substances.

It occurs when the breakdown products of hemoglobin (bilirubin) accumulate in the gallbladder.

Consequently, throbbing pain results in and around the right rib cage. That could go on for hours. Usually, this pain occurs after a heavy meal.

Gallbladder disorder causes severe pain in right side under ribs

Some other symptoms of gallbladder disorders are following:

  • Long-term sharp pain in the right upper quadrant
  • Rapidly intensifying pain just below your breastbone
  • Back pain
  • Pain in your right shoulder
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Foul smell urination
  • Yellow-colored stools
  • Yellowish skin and eyes
  • Nausea and bloating

In case of these or some of these symptoms, a person should consult a doctor.

What is more, gallstones can obstruct the bile duct. Thus, serious health consequences resulting from it.

An effective way to remove gallstones is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. However, medications can also dissolve it within the body.

Upper Right Abdominal Pain after Gallbladder Removal

Maybe a doctor accidentally irritates your intestinal lining when performing surgery. Even though it is an infrequent event, consequently, a painful cramp may occur in the upper right quadrant of the body.

Besides this, bile leakage may lead to worsening symptoms. Moreover, after surgery, failure to take precautionary measures can cause throbbing pain.

If your pain worsens over time, you should consult your surgeon or doctor.

Hence, you must be conscious of the consequences and take good care of your gallbladder!

Gastrointestinal issues (sharp pain in the upper right abdomen)

Indeed, when individuals suffer from gastroenterological illnesses. They can suffer from sharp pain in the upper right abdomen.

For instance, following gastrointestinal illness cause pain in right side under ribs.

  • IBS
  • Indigestion
  • Gastritis
  • Ulcers
  • Intestinal gas
  • GERD

Author Tips: The MORNING CURE for smelly poops & fiery heartburn☑️

Although, the initial pain is mild and gives a burning sensation. However, if neglected, it can lead to throbbing and long-lasting pain.

Other signs of Gastrointestinal disease, despite pain under the ribs, are as follows:

  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chest pain
  • Intestinal Gas
  • Hurting throat
  • Bleeding
  • An uncomfortable sense of fullness
  • Bloating
  • Belching
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Incontinence
  • Acid reflux

Indigestion and abnormal stomach function are relatively easy to treat. And usually, go away on their own. However, if the symptoms are severe and painful for a long time. Perhaps you have IBS, GERD, a stomach ulcer, or even stomach cancer.

Thus, you should consult your healthcare professional. To get a correct diagnosis and medication.

Appendicitis (Stabbing Pain on the Right Side Under Ribs)

The appendix is a narrow finger-shaped projection projecting from the colon.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. In which the appendix becomes inflamed with contamination or filled with pus. Thus, it might rupture and lead to poisoning of the body. Consequently, a man died.

Appendicitis causes severe stabbing pain under the ribs. Usually, this pain begins in the middle of the abdominal cavity, which comes and goes. Gradually, it will travel to the right lower abdomen. Where it will become worse (continuous and severe).

Abdominal pain in character vector with appendicitis
Vector of a woman with appendix pain on blue background

Moreover, this becomes more painful when you walk, cough or sneeze.

A few early symptoms of appendicitis are as follows:

  • Stabbing pain on the right side under ribs
  • Pain near the naval area
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen abdominal region
  • High Fever
  • Painful cramps
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Stomach gas
  • Flushed face
  • Peeing difficulty

Your physician should handle the above symptoms if you experience any of them. Otherwise, you will suffer fatal consequences.

Several factors can inflame appendices. For instance:

  • Microbes (mainly bacteria)
  • Abdominal trauma
  • IBS
  • Gastrointestinal gut infection
  • Enlarge cells of the appendix wall
  • Blockage of appendix opening
  • Stools obstruction
  • Clogging of the appendiceal lumen

An inflamed appendix is better to remove. In fact, if left untreated, it may burst at any time and poison your body. Before surgery, surgeons administer antibiotics to treat the infection.

Can You Live without Appendix?

Indeed, yes! Appendixes contribute nothing to body health. Certainly, this is an evolutionary remnant in modern humans. Homo sapiens cannot use that in their body.

An appendix-free human can live a long, healthy life.

Appendix surgery — appendix inflammation causes severe pain in right side under ribs

Kidney infection — pain under right rib cage(in the groin) and back

The kidney is a reddish-brown pear-shaped organ. It is found under the ribs on both sides. It helps purify the blood and facilitate urination.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is mainly responsible for kidney infection. In it, the kidneys may be infected by bacteria or viruses.

Kidney infection disease actually starts at the bladder or urethra. After that travels to one or both kidneys. Thus, it hurts the kidneys and permanently damages them.

Also, your bloodstream may become infected with this infection. Consequently, lead to life-threatening diseases.

Kidney infection causes constant, dull pain. Either around the kidney area or under the ribs.

A person may experience pain in the following areas:

  • Around the genitals
  • On the kidneys region
  • In the middle of the abdomen
  • On the lower back

A dull pain may become sharp after some time, or may even stab in nature.

Kidney infections can manifest themselves in the following ways:

  • Lower abdomen pain and discomfort
  • Genital pain with a burning sensation
  • Severe back pain
  • Tiredness
  • Difficult peeing
  • Frequent urination
  • Foul smelly urine
  • Dehydration
  • Loss of appetite

Through urethra, bacteria can enter your body and cause a kidney infection. It multiplies in the urethra and bladder, so it travels to the kidney and infects it.

Furthermore, unhealthy sexual acts can also lead to kidney infections. As well as these, skin also allows bacteria to enter.

Although rare, a kidney infection can occasionally be caused by kidney surgery.

However, kidney infections are treatable with antibiotics tablets. In case of no improvement, a doctor will prescribe intravenous antibiotics. There may be a need for surgery in severe cases.

Kidney Stones (pain in mid-back on the right side)

Kidney stones are crystal-like deposits. That forms in the kidneys or the urinary tract. As kidneys are responsible for filtering urine. Thus, many minerals and salts do not exit the kidney or are trapped inside the kidney lining.

Therefore, salts crystal-balls are accumulated in kidneys. Surprisingly, it varies in size from a tiny crystal to a ping ball. 

Kidney stones that cause ribs pain, back pain, and abdominal pain
photo flat lay or top view very small kidney stone at two finger at blue background

The mid-back is painful when one suffers from kidney stones. Usually, pain is worst in the kidney area.

Indeed, a slight movement of the stone worsens the lower abdominal pain. For instance, stones try to move slightly in the bladder or ureter tube causes throbbing pain.

Moreover, kidney stones usually cause the following symptoms:

  • Frequent urination
  • Stabbing pain in the mid-back
  • Pain in groin
  • Bleed in pee
  • Difficulty in pee
  • Swallowing in the body parts
  • Dusty Skin color

Certainly, kidney stones are caused by

  • Dehydration
  • Improper diet
  • High-caloric consumption
  • Oxalate intake

Moreover, it can also cause crystals to deposit in the bladder if you do not empty it when needed.

Drinking water can remove a small kidney stone through urine. In that case, make sure to drink enough liquid fluids along with plenty of water.

In contrast, bigger stones can be treated with lithotripsy or medical therapy.

Pyogenic Liver abscess (right upper quadrant pain under ribs)

A pyogenic liver abscess in the body can be fatal. This condition manifests as a pouch-like structure on the liver. Indeed, there is pus in these pouches. Therefore, the surrounding area of the liver is inflamed.

Liver abscess causes pain under the ribs area

As a result, you experience severe abdominal pain. In fact, your belly may feel tender and painful in the upper right corner.

Moreover, other areas that may suffer pain include your right ribs, chest, shoulders, or arm. Sometimes, you may experience bruised skin over the infected area.

The following symptoms characterize a liver abscess:.

  • Right upper quadrant pain under ribs
  • labored breathing
  • Yellow stools
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • High fever
  • Jerky movements
  • lethargy
  • Abnormal heartbeats
  • Dark urine
  • Stomach disorders
  • Chest pain
  • Frequent Sweating

Over 50% of liver disease is caused by bile duct infection. For sure, an inflamed bile duct can lead to liver abscess. A diseased appendix also causes inflammation in the liver by releasing harmful bacteria.

Other causes of pus accumulation in the liver are

  • Colon and pancreatic cancer
  • IBS
  • Blood infection
  • Liver trauma
  • Liver injury
  • Bile obstruction

 If the liver abscess is left untreated, then it will result in a severe health emergency.

A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to control the symptoms of liver abscesses.

Additionally, the liver should be cleansed of pus substances. Therefore, it is done through surgery or percutaneous drainage.

Liver abscess causes ribs pain, treatment by percutaneous drainage.
Photo of Percutaneous Drainage by BPG

The process involves the insertion of tiny needles into the abdomen that drains out pus.

Pancreatitis (sharp and stabbing pain under the abdomen)

The pancreas is a vital organ of the human body located behind the stomach. It encourages the production of digestive enzymes in the body. As well, it regulates the production of insulin and glucagon.

Pancreatitis is a pathological medical condition. This condition affects the pancreas and causes inflammation. It causes throbbing pain and various health hazards.

Pancreatitis causes stabbing pain under ribs
Photo by healthgrades

There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Indeed, the severity of your symptoms indicates pancreas damage.

The most prominent symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated stomach pain (abdominal pain). A tingling sensation is usually felt in the middle of your stomach or on the left side. 

However, it can also move along your back. Indeed, it’s characterized by a burning or shooting pain that can last for several hours or even days.

In chronic pancreatitis, the following symptoms are common:

  • Sharp and stabbing pain under the abdomen
  • Oily stools
  • Repeated episodes of abdominal pain
  • Abnormal weight loss
  • Indigestion
  • Tenderness
  • Scars
  • Nausea and vomiting

Mainly, the overdose of alcohol or drugs leads to pancreatitis. Untreated acute pancreatitis can even damage the pancreas chronically. Additionally, smoking, autoimmune responses, and inheritance contribute to chronic pancreatitis.

To treat this condition, health care providers prescribe pain medications. As well as enzymes and nutrients supplements. 

More importantly, chronic pancreatitis is a severe health condition. Please consult a doctor for the proper treatment. 

Herniated Disc (chest pain radiating around the rib cage)

The spinal column gives your body its posture. Between the spines of the column is a soft, cushion-like nucleus. In fact, our backbone is cushioned by this. A hard covering surrounds the soft portion called the annulus.

Discs that slip or herniate occur when the nucleus pushes out of the annulus. In this condition, the pain is intense!

Herniated disc causes stabbing in pain back

Moreover, the nerves surrounding the disc can also be irritated by a slipped disc. Thus causing severe sciatica pain, weakness, and numbness.

Indeed, this condition causes widespread back pain that can radiate from one or both ribs. Even this pain becomes worse when you breathe. Besides these, it also causes terrific chest pains.

Although, herniated disc symptoms may be difficult to detect. Herniated patients, however, often experience the following symptoms:

  • Chest pain radiating around the rib cage
  • Stabbing lower pain
  • Pain in shoulder, arm, hands, legs, back
  • Muscles weakness
  • Tingling or numbness in the body

Trauma, accidents, or injuries can cause slipped discs. Also, age leads to a herniated disc due to disc degeneration.

Herniated disc pain is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. 

Moreover, healthcare experts can administer steroid injections with the help of X-ray guidance. They utilize a spinal needle to direct the medication precisely. Where the herniation is located.

Gallstones (sharp stabbing pain in right side under rib cage)

Gallstones are hard, crystal-like deposits in the gallbladder. As the gallbladder stores digestive fluid (bile) that assists in digestion. Sometimes, this bile contains a high level of cholesterol or bilirubin. The result is the formation of stones in the gallbladder and bile duct.

Interestingly, the size of the stone ranges from a tiny grain of sand to a golf ball.

Although, symptoms of gallstones may not appear. In fact, even a patient who has gallbladder stones cannot feel their presence. However, if a stone blocks the gallbladder or bile duct, it can lead to painful complications.

Thus, there will be stabbing and sharp pain in right side under ribs.

Here are a few symptoms for the presence of gallstones in the body:

  • Sharp & stabbing pain in the right side under the rib cage
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Back Pain that extends to the shoulder
  • Yellowish of skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sharp abdominal pain
  • Abnormal urination pattern
  • Unusual stools
Gallbladder stones result in pain in right side under ribs

Surprisingly, small stones don’t bother you much. It can even go away by itself. Indeed, a few dietary changes can help to improve gallbladder health.

 Still, if you experience intense abdominal pain while sitting or standing. You should immediately seek medical attention.

Preeclampsia (lower back pain in pregnant women)

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication. Indeed, it arises after the 20th week of gestation period. This condition is characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure). Thus, it results in swelling of body parts and damages internal organs.

Preeclampsia is often accompanied by abdominal pain. The pain is typically felt in the upper-right abdomen, just below the rib cage, where the liver would be present.

However, pain can also be felt below the breastbone, known as the epigastrium. The pain may sometimes also spread to the right side of the back.

Preeclampsia lady suffers from severe back pain
Photo by iStock

In addition, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Lower back pain that extends to the shoulder
  • Severe headache
  • Blurriness
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mood swings
  • Hypertension
  • High protein content in urine
  • Abnormal weight gain
  • A sudden drop in platelets level

Although there are no known causes of preeclampsia. Doctors believe it may develop when the female placenta does not function properly.

Possibly, placentas do not receive enough blood flow. Moreover, poor nutrition is also to blame. Besides that, the disease is also passed down through the family.

For preeclampsia, delivery is the best treatment. As long as your blood pressure is high, meanwhile, placental abruption, seizures, and severe bleeding are all possible.

Occasionally, it can cause the mother’s death.

What is the Effect of Preeclampsia on Fetus?

The placenta does not receive adequate blood supply in preeclampsia. Therefore, the fetus receives fewer nutrients and oxygen. Thus, it results in stunted growth, which leads to fetal growth restriction.

Moreover, the weight of the baby is also affected. It can also turn out in pre-term birth.

Preeclampsia woman pre-term birth, causes stunted growth of fetus.

Besides the effects on the fetus before birth. It also affects the health of the baby after delivery. A preeclampsia-suffering mother’s baby is at risk of developing the following illness in the future:

  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic disease
  • Slow growth

Thus, expected ladies should take good care of diet and health. To give a healthier life to your baby!

Other Under-lying Diseases that can Cause Pain in right Side under Ribs

Apart from the above diseases, many other ailments may cause pain in right side under ribs.

The following list contains a list of body illnesses that cause back pain and abdominal pain:

Home-Remedies for Quick Relieve of Ribs Pain

Indeed, you should consult a doctor if your ribs hurt. However, if you want to relieve aching fast, I recommend some home remedies.

Make use of the heat and the cold

The abdominal or back area is inflicting severe pain on you. Apply a cold or hot compress to the painful area. During this period, you will feel your muscles relax, and blood flow will be improved.

Depending on your pain disorder, you may prefer to use hot or cold compresses.

Apply a pain-relieving cream

Indeed, markets have a wide range of creams to combat pain. Moreover, it is also possible to place orders online!

It’s time to ask your healthcare professional for pain-relieving cream. And start using it there and then.

Arnica is a great option

Natural herb Arnica is used to treat a variety of health conditions. It relieves pain after surgery, osteoarthritis, swelling, or even bleeding. You can take this herb orally.

Also, this herb is available at pharmacies as well as order online!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Which organs are located on the right side under the ribs?

The following organs are located under the ribs:

  • Pancreas
  • Right Kidney
  • Intestine
  • Liver

When should I be worried about right-side pain?

You should never avoid pain in right side under ribs. It could be an indication of under-lying illness. Thus, you should seek medical attention when you are in pain.

Why is my right side hurting?

Stabbing pain and constant right side pain may indicate appendicitis. So, visit your nearby hospital right away.

What does it mean when the right side of your rib cage hurts?

Right side pain of your rib cage might indicate that you are suffering from:

  • Pulled muscles
  • Fractured rib
  • Bruises of ribs

Is it appendicitis or stomach gas?

The pain associated with appendicitis is localized. Indeed, there is stabbing pain on your lower right abdominal side at a specific point. While in stomach gas, you might feel knots in your stomach. And the patient may feel the pain anywhere in the stomach.

Summary

At last, you should never ignore the pain in right side under ribs. Otherwise, you will face a fatal disease.

To prevent yourself from any of the above diseases. You should maintain a healthy diet with a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, exercise helps a lot in maintaining a healthy body.

However, if you feel any abnormal symptoms, don’t waste a minute to consult your doctor. As we know:

Precaution is Better than Cure.

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