Pain in Upper Right Abdomen: 9 Main Causes & Remedies

Experiencing pain in upper right abdomen can be a jarring experience, ranging from a dull, persistent ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation that catches your breath. Because this region—known medically as the upper right quadrant—is home to several vital organs, understanding the source of the discomfort is the first step toward finding relief.

Whether your pain is a fleeting moment of indigestion or a sign of something more complex, this guide explores the primary triggers, how to manage symptoms at home, and when it is time to seek professional medical intervention.

Pain in Upper Right Abdomen: 9 Main Causes

The abdomen is divided into four sections to help healthcare providers narrow down potential issues. When you feel pain in upper right abdomen, it usually involves the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or parts of the intestines. Here are the nine most common causes:

1. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They often cause no issues until they block a bile duct. When this happens, it leads to “biliary colic”—a characteristic pain in upper right abdomen that often comes in waves or “colic” as the organ contracts against the blockage. This pain is frequently felt under the ribs and can last for several hours.

2. Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)

If a gallstone remains trapped, it can cause the gallbladder to become swollen and infected, a condition known as acute cholecystitis. This is a more serious cause of pain in upper right abdomen. Unlike the temporary ache of gallstones, this pain is usually persistent and sharp, often spreading toward the right shoulder. It is frequently accompanied by a fever and extreme tenderness when the area is touched.

3. Liver Disease and Hepatitis

The liver occupies a large portion of the upper right side. Various forms of hepatitis—including viral, alcohol-induced, or autoimmune hepatitis—can cause inflammation that leads to pain. Additionally, conditions like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) can cause the liver to swell, creating a dull, heavy sensation in the upper belly.

4. Kidney Stones or Infection

While the kidneys are located toward the back, a stone or infection in the right kidney can radiate pain in upper right abdomen. Kidney stone pain is often described as excruciating and may travel down toward the groin, often accompanied by nausea or pain during urination.

5. Indigestion and Trapped Wind

Not every cause of pain in the upper right abdomen is a medical emergency. Sometimes, simple trapped wind or indigestion is the culprit. Indigestion typically causes a feeling of being uncomfortably full, bloated, or sick shortly after eating. Excess gas in the colon can cause sharp, localized “pokes” of pain that shift as the gas moves through the digestive tract.

6. Duodenitis or Peptic Ulcers

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. Inflammation here (duodenitis) can cause a gnawing or burning pain in upper right abdomen. This discomfort is often linked to stomach acid and may feel worse when the stomach is empty or immediately after consuming irritating foods.

7. Biliary Sludge

Similar to gallstones but finer in consistency, biliary sludge is a mixture of bile, cholesterol, and salt crystals. It can block the cystic duct, causing a build-up of pressure and bile. This leads to the same type of inflammatory pain seen in stone-related cholecystitis.

8. Shingles

In some cases, the pain isn’t coming from the organs at all, but from the nerves in the skin. Before the tell-tale rash appears, shingles can cause a localized, burning, or tingling pain. Because the pain follows a nerve path around the torso, it can easily be mistaken for internal organ pain.

9. Acalculous Cholecystitis

This is a less common but more severe form of gallbladder inflammation that occurs without the presence of gallstones. It usually develops as a complication of a major injury, surgery, or serious infection like sepsis. It causes sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen and requires immediate hospital treatment.

Pain in Upper Right Abdomen: Home Remedies

If your pain in the upper right abdomen is mild and not accompanied by “red flag” symptoms (like fever or jaundice), you may find relief through conservative home management. However, these remedies are intended for comfort and do not replace a diagnosis from a professional.

Dietary Adjustments

For pain related to indigestion or gallstones, the “watch and wait” approach often starts with your diet.

• Low-Fat Meals: Since the gallbladder contracts to help digest fats, eating high-fat or greasy meals can trigger pain in the upper right abdomen. Sticking to lean proteins and fiber-rich foods can reduce the strain on the system.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys function and can prevent the concentration of salts that lead to stones.
• Avoid Rapid Fasting: While it’s tempting to stop eating when your stomach hurts, extreme low-calorie or “crash” diets can actually worsen gallstone issues by disrupting bile chemistry.

Over-the-Counter Support

• Pharmacist Consultation: A pharmacist can recommend treatments for mild pain in the upper right abdomen caused by indigestion, such as antacids, or medicines for constipation.
• Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or hot water bottle to the upper right side can sometimes soothe “crampy” or “colicky” sensations caused by muscle tension or gas.

Lifestyle Habits

• Gentle Movement: If the pain in the upper right abdomen is caused by trapped wind, a short walk can help move gas through the system and provide relief.
• Posture: Sitting upright after eating can help prevent the acid reflux and indigestion that often masquerade as upper abdominal pain.

When to See a Doctor for Pain in Upper Right Abdomen

It can be difficult to distinguish between a harmless stomach ache and a serious condition based on sensation alone. You should consult a healthcare provider if you are worried or unsure about the cause of your discomfort.

Schedule a GP Appointment If:

• The pain in the upper right abdomen is persistent, keeps coming back, or is gradually getting worse.
• You are experiencing unexplained weight loss alongside the pain.
• You have persistent bloating that does not resolve.
• You are pregnant and experiencing abdominal discomfort.

Seek Urgent or Emergency Care (999 or A&E) If:

Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency, such as a perforated organ, severe infection, or a complete blockage. Seek help immediately if:

• The pain in the upper right abdomen is sudden, severe, and unbearable.
• It hurts significantly when you touch your stomach.
• You have jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes).
• You have a high fever, chills, or are vomiting uncontrollably.
• Your vomit contains blood or looks like “ground coffee”.
• Your stool is black, tarry, or bloody.
• The pain radiates to your chest or causes shortness of breath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pain in the upper right abdomen always the gallbladder?

While the gallbladder is a very common culprit, it is not the only one. The liver, right kidney, and sections of the colon are all located in that quadrant. Even issues with the lungs or heart (like pleurisy or a heart attack) can sometimes radiate pain to the upper abdomen.

Why does the pain sometimes move to my shoulder?

This is known as “referred pain.” When an organ like the gallbladder becomes severely inflamed (acute cholecystitis), it can irritate the phrenic nerve. Because this nerve also travels to the shoulder area, your brain may interpret the pain in the upper right abdomen as coming from your right shoulder blade.

Can stress cause pain in the upper right abdomen?

Stress can significantly impact the digestive system, leading to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia. While IBS often causes lower abdominal pain, it can also lead to upper quadrant bloating and “crampy” sensations.

How do doctors diagnose the cause?

A GP will usually start with a physical exam, perhaps performing Murphy’s Sign (pressing under the ribs while you breathe in) to check for gallbladder tenderness. Further tests may include blood work to check for infection/inflammation, or imaging like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to look at the organs in detail.

Conclusion

Pain in the upper right abdomen is a common symptom that spans the spectrum from minor digestive annoyance to surgical emergency. Because this area houses the “powerhouse” organs of digestion—the liver and gallbladder—persistent or severe pain should never be ignored.

By maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated, you can significantly reduce your risk of gallstones and liver-related issues. However, if you find yourself clutching your side in sudden, sharp distress, the most important remedy is a professional medical evaluation to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time.

Resources & References

• NHS. Stomach ache (https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/stomach-ache/). Last reviewed 04/2024. Accessed 03/07/2026.
• NHS Inform. Acute cholecystitis (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/acute-cholecystitis/). Last reviewed 08/2025. Accessed 03/07/2026.
• Cleveland Clinic. Right Side Abdominal Pain (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/right-side-abdominal-pain). Last reviewed 10/30/2025. Accessed 03/07/2026.