What Causes Pain In Upper Right Abdomen Below The Ribs?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: Hello

My girlfriend is experiencing intermittent sharp stabbing pain in the upper right abdomen below her ribs and around her belly button. The pain last anywhere from a minute to 15 minutes at a time with equal timing without the pain. It seems to be worse when standing or laying down opposed to sitting. She has had issues with acid reflux and a slightly obstructed gall bladder recently.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gallstones

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Thank you for the query.

Such pain is very characteristic for gallstones. The pain is strong and can radiate to the back. Nausea can be present.
Acid reflux gives rather chest burning and occasionally upper middle abdominal pain.
If she also has dark urine and whitish stool, bile ducts obstruction can be the reason.
For sure she should not wait with it. Abdominal ultrasound and blood work should be done. Laparoscopic surgery might be necessary to remove the gallbladder.

Hope this will belp. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar