Pain on right side of stomach under ribs is not unusual, but identifying the cause may need some trial and error. The pancreas, gallbladder, right kidney, liver, small and large intestines, and other main organs are under your right rib cage.
It’s essential to pay great attention to your symptoms and, in many circumstances, seek medical attention in order to determine which body part might be impacted and how serious the problem is. Pain behind the right rib cage can have a variety of causes. Although it occasionally arises in primary care, emergency rooms may also see cases of it.
The most common reasons for discomfort or pain on right side under ribs are listed below.
Thoracic Trauma
A thoracic injury may be the source of the pain I’m having under my right ribcage. When a blunt force strikes the right side of the body, it causes damage to the muscle and bone on that side, manifesting as ongoing pain or stiffness. In a similar vein, exercising in a way that pulls against the right ribcage muscles can aggravate discomfort in that area and cause pain to persist. To alleviate symptoms, a primary care physician would urge rest and may prescribe pain medication.
Osteomalacia
As osteomalacia worsens, it can cause pain in the ribcage. Other symptoms of the disease include bone fractures and muscular weakness. The bone becomes more pliable due to a deficiency in vitamin D or abnormal absorption of the nutrient. Rickets is the name given to this condition when it manifests in youngsters. Patients who spend little time outside, have lactose intolerance, or follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to suffer from a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous are three common supplements that orthopedic specialists are likely to recommend taking consistently.
Costochondritis
A condition known as costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage between the two lowest ribs. Symptoms of this condition include pain that is localized below the ribcage. This inflammation could result from a chest injury, vigorous activity, or certain forms of arthritis. In addition to pain, it may manifest as soreness, and the patient may have less discomfort if they do not move around or breathe softly. A hot or cold compress, in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medication, would be the treatment of choice for this condition by an orthopedic practitioner.
Relapsing Polychondritis
Relapsing polychondritis, similar to costochondritis, is an inflammation that occurs repeatedly in the cartilage mentioned earlier. This condition can impact the entire body. The explanation for this is unknown; nevertheless, a genetic component may be involved. When the inflammation spreads to the delicate cartilage in the trachea, this illness has the potential to become quite serious. An orthopedic doctor would prescribe a painkiller and possibly some anti-inflammatory medication.
Actinomycosis Infection
An infection caused by the bacteria actinomycosis israelii can have severe effects on the face and neck, but it can also manifest itself as pain in the ribcage. Even though the bacterium does not, in and of itself, cause sickness, its spread to other sensitive areas can make a patient’s condition significantly worse. A physician specializing in infectious diseases would likely recommend long-term antibiotic treatment, although they might also perform surgical drainage of the afflicted lesion.
Pneumonia
Pain in the ribcage is a common symptom of community-acquired pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that develops outside of a hospital setting. This pain is caused by inflammation of the ribcage muscles, which develops due to the body’s response to the infection. In addition, you will experience a cough, fever, and shortness of breath, which can potentially turn fatal. Antibiotics are typically prescribed in conjunction with oxygen therapy by infectious disease specialists.
Clavicular Fracture
Inflammation of the surrounding muscle, which may include the ribs, can be caused by a fracture of the breastbone, and this inflammation can manifest itself as ribcage discomfort in addition to chest pain. A fracture will develop if there is sufficient blunt force trauma, and it must be treated as soon as possible to prevent any internal bleeding from occurring. An orthopedic specialist will prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory medicines to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when the bones do not contain enough calcium and phosphate, which causes the bones to become more porous and brittle. Because the bones are fragile and prone to breaking, ribcage pain may result from a fracture that occurred on its own. Because bone thinning is an inevitable consequence of menopause, it is more common in women after menopause. Orthopedic specialists typically prescribe biphosphonates and other medications that enhance bone density.
Pleural Effusion
A fluid known as pleura is created in the chest cavity to lubricate the surfaces near the lungs. The medical term for excessive pleural accumulation is pleural effusion, which can be caused by high blood pressure and leakage from the pleural space. Not only does this cause pain in the chest or ribs, but it also causes shortness of breath, fever, and persistent coughing. The removal of the fluid with thoracentesis will be the major focus of a primary care physician.
Spondyloarthropathies
Inflammation or swelling of the joints is what is meant by the term arthritis, which various factors can cause. Spondyloarthritis is a type of spondyloarthropathy because it occurs when the patient’s own immune system causes the swelling that characterizes the condition. Pain can radiate throughout the body, including the ribcage, when an autoimmune illness targets the spine. Anti-inflammatory medication, in addition to arthritis medication, is typically what a specialist in orthopedics will recommend.
The Closing Note
In conclusion, for proactive health care, it is critical to comprehend the primary causes of pain on right side under ribs. This pain should not be disregarded, regardless of the cause—osteoporosis, clavicular fracture, or actinomycosis infection. Equipped with this understanding, people can decide whether or not to seek medical care, which promotes a sense of empowerment over their health. Recall that treating the underlying reasons and guaranteeing a pain-free, better life can depend significantly on a prompt diagnosis and response.
