Why do I have pain under my right rib after eating?
There are many different causes of pain under the right rib. Pain that occurs in this location, especially after eating a fatty meal, may be caused by biliary colic. This condition occurs when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder, leading to pain as the body attempts to move the stone. The pain is usually felt in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone and may radiate to the right shoulder blade. It can also cause nausea and vomiting.
What causes biliary colic?
Gallstones are the most common cause of biliary colic. These are stone-like deposits made of cholesterol or bilirubin that can obstruct the bile ducts. This can cause the muscles in the bile duct to contract vigorously, leading to pain. Symptoms are worse after fatty meals when the gallbladder works to release bile to help with digestion.
Other causes of biliary colic include bile duct strictures or tumors that can also block bile flow and result in similar symptoms.
Symptoms of biliary colic
Someone experiencing biliary colic may experience the following symptoms:
- A steady or intermittent ache under the right rib cage
- Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms are typically worse after meals, especially fatty meals. They may get better within a few hours after eating.
Related questions
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?
Treatment of biliary colic
Treatment options for biliary colic may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Pain management and dietary changes (e.g., avoiding fatty foods) can help relieve symptoms. Antinausea medications may help with nausea and vomiting episodes.
In recurring cases or severe episodes, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) may be recommended. Medications to dissolve gallstones are sometimes used, but they take time and are not always effective. In those who are not able to undergo surgery, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy may be an option.
References
Sigmon, D. F., et. al. Updated July 2023. Biliary Colic. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed September 18, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430772/
Read next
Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen also increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding in people taking blood thinners by 4-fold, and ibuprofen increases the risk 2-fold. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading
Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Despite the common belief that you must take ibuprofen with food, you can safely take low-dose ibuprofen (up to 1200 mg daily in divided doses for 1 to 7 days) on an empty stomach, and this provides faster pain relief than taking ibuprofen with food. Food slows ibuprofen absorption time, although it doesn't affect the total amount absorbed. There is actually no scientific evidence that taking ibuprofen with food prevents stomach irritation. Over-the-counter ibuprofen doses have a low incidence of gastric problems anyway.
Continue reading
Can you take expired ibuprofen?
Although taking expired ibuprofen is not recommended by the manufacturer, the actual shelf-life is likely to be longer than that indicated by the expiry date, with FDA testing showing many drugs are active for years beyond their expiry date, although specific data on ibuprofen is not available. Within reason, an ibuprofen tablet that is a few months past its expiry date is probably safe to take. Ibuprofen that is years past its expiry date should not be taken. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
- Can You Take Tramadol with Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?
- Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
- Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain?
- Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
- Acetaminophen vs paracetamol: What do you need to know?
- How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
- Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?
- How long can you take Celebrex for?
- Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide
- How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
- Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
- What is Metamizole used for?
- Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone vs OTC Pain Relievers
- Tylenol vs Advil: What's the difference?
- CBD Oil: What are 9 Proven or Possible Health Benefits?
- Why does my child have leg pain or trouble walking after a fever?
- How much Tylenol can you take in a day?
- What are the rules for controlled drug refills?
- Can you take ibuprofen 800 mg with tramadol 50 mg?
- Which painkiller should you use?
- Aleve vs Advil: What's the difference?
- How long does ibuprofen take to work?
- Motrin vs Advil: What's the difference?
Related support groups
- Pain (2,297 questions, 11,960 members)
- Gallstones (7 questions, 33 members)
- Biliary Obstruction (1 questions, 4 members)