What causes dull pain under right rib cage that comes and goes?

Dull, intermittent pain under the right rib cage can have various causes. Common causes of this pain can be grouped into several categories based on the affected organ systems:

• Digestive system issues (gallbladder problems, indigestion)
• Musculoskeletal conditions (rib inflammation, muscle strain)
• Respiratory problems (pleurisy, pneumonia)

When it comes to digestive system issues, your gallbladder can be a common source of discomfort. This small organ stores bile produced by your liver, and when problems arise, they often manifest as pain under the right rib cage. Additionally, functional dyspepsia affects how your stomach and intestines work together, leading to uncomfortable sensations in your upper abdomen. Musculoskeletal conditions can also trigger this type of pain, particularly when inflammation affects the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone. This condition, known as costochondritis, typically causes tenderness and discomfort that may worsen with movement or deep breathing. Respiratory conditions like pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around your lungs) can also cause pain under your right rib cage. This pain often feels sharp when you take deep breaths, but it might feel dull at other times. The discomfort may get better or worse depending on your breathing patterns or position. Keep track of any pain triggers or associated symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider, or use Ubie's free symptom checker to help identify possible causes of your discomfort.