What does it mean when females have sharp pain under right rib cage?

When a female experiences sharp pain under the right rib cage, there are several possibilities. Common causes include indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back up the esophagus and creates a burning, sharp pain. This may worsen during pregnancy when the growing uterus and changing hormones make reflux more likely. Other causes of pain in this area include issues with the liver, pancreas or gallbladder (like gallstones). Musculoskeletal pain is another frequent cause of pain under the ribs; during physical activity, the muscles can become strained or tight, resulting in sharp pain in the rib area. However, it is also important to consider that sharp chest or rib pain may sometimes be a sign of heart conditions, such as heart attack, especially if there are other symptoms like pressure in the chest or difficulty breathing. Another serious cause of this type of pain is a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs that can cause sudden, sharp pain when breathing. Because these conditions vary in seriousness, if you're experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to help determine possible causes, though seeking medical help is essential for severe, recurring pain or when accompanied by difficulty breathing or chest pressure.