What causes pain under right rib cage after eating?

Pain under the right rib cage after eating is a common complaint that can have several different causes. The most frequent reasons include digestive issues like:

• Indigestion: a common digestive problem where food is not properly broken down, leading to discomfort, bloating, or pain in the upper abdomen after eating. It can be caused by eating too quickly, overeating, or other factors affecting normal digestion.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like pain and burning sensations, particularly after eating.
• Gallstones: a condition where hardened deposits of digestive fluid form in the gallbladder, often causing pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after eating fatty foods. These stones can block bile flow and may require medical attention.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas which occurs when digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas (instead of the intestines), leading to inflammation and potential damage to the organ.

Pay attention to the timing of your symptoms and specific food triggers, and consider using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before discussing with your healthcare provider.