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Published on: 8/20/2026
Discomfort under your right rib cage is often caused by digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion, or gas buildup. It can also stem from muscle tension linked to stress or poor posture. In some cases, it may signal conditions involving the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, so persistent or worsening pain shouldn't be ignored.
Because the causes range from minor to serious, it's important to understand your specific symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify potential causes based on your unique profile and guide you toward the right care—whether that's home relief or seeing a doctor.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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The area under your right rib cage is home to important organs that help you digest food. Sometimes, when you eat, your stomach may push acid up into your esophagus (a condition called acid reflux) or have a hard time breaking down food (known as functional dyspepsia), and this can lead to discomfort or a pressure-like feeling in that area. This happens because the digestive process can sometimes be felt in your chest or upper belly. Other causes of pain in this area include issues with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder (like gallstones). In addition to digestive causes, the muscles in the area may also become sore or tight due to stress or physical activity. When you are stressed or anxious, your body's muscles can tighten, which may add to the discomfort under your ribs. Both of these reasons are common and can happen to many people. Other less common but concerning causes of pain under the right rib cage are blood clots in the lungs, infections, or cardiac issues. If the uncomfortable feeling is severe or gets worse, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine whether you should talk with your healthcare provider for a more complete evaluation.
(References)
Gerson LB. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Nov;8(11):763-4. PMID: 24672414; PMCID: PMC3966174.
Crofford LJ. Psychological aspects of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Feb;29(1):147-55. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2015.04.027. Epub 2015 May 21. PMID: 26267008; PMCID: PMC5061342.
Madisch A, Andresen V, Enck P, Labenz J, Frieling T, Schemann M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Mar 30;115(13):222-232. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0222. PMID: 29669681; PMCID: PMC5938438.
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