What causes pain under the right rib cage?
Mar 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
What causes pain beneath the right ribs?
1. Hepatitis: The liver is located in the upper right abdomen, directly adjacent to the right costal margin. Liver disease can therefore cause a dull ache beneath the right ribs.
2. Gallbladder disorders: Conditions such as cholecystitis or gallstones may also produce a dull ache beneath the right ribs.
3. Costochondritis: Pain typically occurs along the costal arch and in the costal cartilages near the sternum.
Many people experience pain beneath the right rib cage, yet most either ignore it or self-medicate with over-the-counter analgesics for temporary relief. However, this approach is absolutely incorrect; identifying the underlying cause of the pain and administering targeted treatment is essential. So, what causes pain beneath the right rib cage? Let’s explore the possible reasons below.
What Causes Pain Beneath the Right Rib Cage?
1. Hepatitis
The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, directly adjacent to the right lower ribs. Liver pathology—particularly inflammatory conditions such as hepatitis B, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or hepatic cysts—can manifest as pain beneath the right rib cage.
2. Gallbladder Disorders
Conditions such as cholecystitis or gallstones may also produce pain beneath the right rib cage.
3. Costochondritis
Pain typically occurs at the costal arch or near the sternum where the ribs connect to the costal cartilage. The cause is often unclear, but pain tends to worsen with movement and is accompanied by localized tenderness upon palpation.
4. Other Conditions
Appendicitis, gynecological disorders (e.g., ovarian cysts or torsion), gallstones, and cholecystitis may all present with pain beneath the right rib cage.
5. Acute Pancreatitis
Patients typically experience persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by nausea and fever.
6. Physiological Causes
Examples include poor posture, prolonged physical inactivity followed by sudden, intense exercise, or excessive exertion that exceeds the body’s current capacity—all of which may lead to a dull, aching pain beneath the right rib cage.
The above outlines potential causes of pain beneath the right rib cage. Given the wide range and complexity of possible etiologies, prompt medical evaluation is strongly recommended to accurately diagnose the underlying condition and initiate appropriate treatment—thereby preventing disease progression or complications. We hope this information is helpful to you.
