What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain On Right Side Below The Ribs?

Posted on Thu, 5 May 2016

Question: I have been experiencing mild to moderate upper abdominal pain, mostly on the right side toward the middle, just under my ribs. The pain is worse when I am in a sitting position (I sit to commute to work, and sit at my job), less when I stand, much less if I lie down. The pain is much less in the morning after waking but progresses over the course of the day. If I tighten my abdominal muscles, the pain lessons significantly and my abdomen is not tender to the touch when my muscles are tight but is somewhat when my muscles are relaxed. I may have strained myself caring for my 1 yr old grandson, but that was over the weekend. The pain hasn't really progressed, but it hasn't gotten better over the past two days. No fever, no nausea, no change to urination or bowel movements, no change to my skin tone and the whites of my eyes are not discolored. The pain nearly disappears in a hot shower. I am not obese... but do admit that I could stand to lose some weight (5'7", 160lbs or so - 48 yrs old)... I am in general good health (well, until this week, obviously) although I haven't been as active over this winter as I typically am in warmer months. I do not drink alcohol, I do not use drugs. I do smoke cigarettes (yes, I am aware I should quit).

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You could be having Gall bladder issues or a Hiatus hernia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you for the detailed description of your problem. It is quite a pleasure to receive such information.
It seems like there could be an element of Gall bladder problems or Gastric issues. I suggest you get an Ultrasound of the abdomen done to know whether the gallbladder, liver and kidneys are fine. If that is normal then an Upper GI Endoscopy would be required to see the insides of your stomach and duodenum and to rule out a Hiatus hernia. We can then begin treatment depending on the test reports.
Meanwhile I suggest you start Tab Pantoprazole 40mg or Cap Omeprazole 20mg in morning half an hour before breakfast. This might give you some relief.
Take care and do let me know the reports or if there are other queries.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar