{"id":10508,"date":"2019-08-22T05:32:54","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T05:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=10508"},"modified":"2021-04-26T14:16:35","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T14:16:35","slug":"15-known-causes-of-pain-under-right-rib-cage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-known-causes-of-pain-under-right-rib-cage\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Known Causes of Pain Under Right Rib Cage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There are three main purposes that the rib cage serves. These are respiration, support, and protection. First of all, it encases your lungs and heart, protecting them from any blunt trauma. It also serves as a chassis for all your torso muscles to attach to. You have 12 pairs of ribs in total \u2014 with two of them being floating ribs. If you\u2019re experiencing pain under your right rib cage, it could be the result of various health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More likely than not, getting an early diagnosis on the root issue will help you treat it effectively. You might think that the causes are limited to bone problems since the pain is close to the rib cage. However, medical issues in other areas of your body could also cause pain in this area \u2014 as you\u2019ll soon see when you scroll down. Without further adieu, here are eight known causes of pain under the right rib cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Kidney stones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney stones <\/a>have been known to cause pain in this area. The right kidney sits lower than your left kidney because it needs to make room for your liver. This is why you\u2019ll experience the pain below the rib cage rather than beneath it. There are quite a few symptoms that you can use to determine whether or not the pain below your rib cage is caused by kidney stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hematuria \u2014 which is just a fancy word that doctors use to say that there\u2019s blood in your urine \u2014 could be an indicator of kidney stones. The damage done to your kidney tissue due to these salt and mineral deposits may cause an internal bleed. The blood will then exit along with your urine through the urinary tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Liver cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Liver cancer \u2014 and a few other liver conditions \u2014 could also cause pain below your right rib cage. That\u2019s because your liver is positioned in that very spot. If you suspect that the pain you\u2019re experiencing under the right rib cage is the result of a liver problem then there are a few symptoms that you can keep a lookout for to confirm your suspicions. Jaundice <\/a>\u2014 the term used to describe yellowish skin \u2014 can be a telltale sign of a liver problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond your skin taking on a yellow hue, you might also notice that your urine has become far darker than usual or that you\u2019re losing weight without any changes to your diet and exercise routine. Fatigue and fever are other common symptoms of liver issues. If you notice pain under your right rib cage in conjunction with these other symptoms then you should get your liver checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Preeclampsia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Preeclampsia <\/a>is a condition that affects pregnant individuals. In some cases, it can lead to multiple organ failure which is why doctors take it very seriously. The most common symptom of preeclampsia is the rise in the patient\u2019s blood pressure, but it can also cause pain under the right rib cage. It is most commonly found in pregnant women who are at least 20 weeks into their term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, there have been some cases where it developed earlier on, and even a few rare instances when it occurred postpartum. If you notice pain under your right rib cage and are currently pregnant then preeclampsia may be the culprit. Other symptoms of the condition include protein in your urine, a severe headache, and photophobia \u2014 which is a strong sensitivity to light. Blurred vision and shortness of breath are also among the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Gallstones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you thought that kidney stones were the only type of internal stones that could lead to pain under your right rib cage then you\u2019re mistaken. Most gallstones are made out of cholesterol <\/a>and can lead to various adverse effects within your gallbladder. The impact can also spread and cause pain under your right rib cage. If you have high cholesterol levels and notice pain under your right rib cage then you might be dealing with gallstones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few symptoms that you can look for to determine whether or not gallstones are, in fact, the root issue. You\u2019ll find that pain caused by gallstones will present itself after you\u2019ve just eaten a big meal. Other symptoms could include jaundice \u2014 much like what you\u2019d expect from liver conditions \u2014 and fever. You may also feel nauseated and even start vomiting \u2014 especially after eating. Gallstones can also cause chills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Gastritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gastritis <\/a>is another condition that could cause pain under your right rib cage. There are two forms of gastritis \u2014 acute and chronic. If you noticed the pain below your rib cage suddenly rather than experienced a gradual decrease then it\u2019s most likely acute gastritis rather than chronic gastritis. If the cause is, in fact, gastrointestinal in nature then the pain under your rib cage should feel burning and dull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few symptoms of gastritis that you should check for. Stool that is tarry and black is a telltale sign of gastritis. You might also suffer from nausea and vomiting if you\u2019re dealing with a case of gastritis. If you\u2019ve already been diagnosed with chronic gastritis prior to the pain developing then it\u2019s likely just a new development of your existing condition. Indigestion can also occur in patients with gastritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Pancreatitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you might guess from the name pancreatitis <\/a>is the inflammation of your pancreas. If the pain below your right rib cage is being caused by a case of pancreatitis then it will gradually get worse as time passes. If the severity of the pain you\u2019re experiencing retains a relatively stable level then it might not be related to pancreatitis. The best thing you can do is see if other symptoms of pancreatitis are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tachycardia \u2014 rapid heart rate \u2014 is one of the telltale symptoms that you\u2019re dealing with pancreatitis. You might also have a fever and be vomiting due to it. Patients with pancreatitis also tend to lose weight at a rapid pace despite not making any changes to their exercise regimen or diet. If you have pancreatitis then your abdomen will be quite tender and even swollen in some cases. If you suspect that you\u2019re suffering from pancreatitis then consult your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Pneumonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It shouldn\u2019t come as much of a surprise that pneumonia <\/a>can cause pain under your right rib cage. After all, one of the main functions of your rib cage is to enclose your lungs \u2014 the area in which pneumonia occurs. At its core, pneumonia is an infection affecting your lungs \u2014 or even just one lung. It can be caused by viruses, fungus, and even bacteria. The best way to ensure that pneumonia doesn\u2019t cause complications is to get early treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that the pain may be a symptom of pneumonia then check for other signs like phlegmy coughs or high fevers. Pneumonia also causes excessive sweating. Most forms of pneumonia are, in fact, contagious. If you\u2019ve recently been exposed to a patient with pneumonia then suddenly develop the pain under your right rib cage then you should head to the nearest hospital immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Shingles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The condition known as shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus \u2014 the very same virus that causes chickenpox. If you got chickenpox as a kid then the virus is still in your system, just remaining dormant for years. It stays dormant\u2026 until it doesn\u2019t. When it reactivates then you\u2019ll suffer from shingles<\/a>. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms \u2014 one of which is pain below the right rib cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with the pain, you might also notice other signs such as the blisters that are so characteristic of chickenpox. If the virus spreads to your face then your vision may become blurred. The best way to protect yourself from shingles \u2014 along with the pain it causes below your rib cage \u2014 is by getting yourself vaccinated for chickenpox as a child. If you never get chickenpox then you won\u2019t develop shingles later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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