What might cause pain in the lower right abdomen under the ribs?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the lower right abdomen under the ribs can have several possible causes, most commonly involving the gallbladder or liver. Gallbladder issues such as gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation), or bile duct blockages often trigger sharp or cramping pain in this area. Liver-related conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or liver abscesses can also produce discomfort under the right ribs. Other potential causes include kidney problems, muscle strain, rib injuries, or digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Because so many conditions share this symptom, self-diagnosis can be difficult and delaying evaluation may allow serious issues to progress. A quick, private, AI-powered symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your unique symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's monitoring at home or seeing a doctor. It's free, takes just a few minutes, and could bring you clarity and peace of mind today.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When you feel pain in the lower right area under your ribs, there are several possible causes.

Gallbladder issues like gallstones or cholecystitis can cause pain in this area, especially after eating fatty foods
Liver conditions such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease might lead to discomfort under the right ribs
Problems with the colon, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can sometimes cause pain that's felt in the lower right abdomen
Kidney stones or kidney infections may refer pain to this region
For women, ovarian cysts or issues with the right fallopian tube could be responsible
In some cases, appendicitis might present with pain that starts higher than the typical right lower quadrant

Keeping track of any associated symptoms or triggers can help a doctor identify the cause of the pain. If pain is severe or persistent, you can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort before talking to your doctor for additional guidance.

(References)

Fradá G. Sulla sindrome dolorosa da costola fluttuante [The painful floating-rib syndrome]. Minerva Med. 1975 Aug 18;66(54):2679-89. Italian. PMID: 1153118.
Scott EM, Scott BB. Painful rib syndrome--a review of 76 cases. Gut. 1993 Jul;34(7):1006-8. doi: 10.1136/gut.34.7.1006. PMID: 8344569; PMCID: PMC1374244.
Laurin JM, DeSotel CK, Jorgensen RA, Dickson ER, Lindor KD. The natural history of abdominal pain associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994 Oct;89(10):1840-3. PMID: 7942679.

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