What organs could cause pain on your right side?

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Pain on your right side can be caused by a surprising range of organs, from your gallbladder to your appendix. Pinpointing the source is crucial, as the severity can range from a minor issue like gas to a medical emergency. Understanding what organs could cause pain on your right side is the first step towards seeking the right care.

Quick Summary

Pain on the right side can originate from organs in the upper quadrant like the gallbladder or liver, or from the lower quadrant, involving the appendix or female reproductive organs. The kidneys are another possibility, often causing flank pain. The specific location and nature of the discomfort provide vital clues for diagnosis.

Key Points

Upper Right Pain: Discomfort in the upper right abdomen is commonly associated with the liver and gallbladder, with gallstones being a frequent culprit.
Lower Right Pain: In the lower right quadrant, the appendix is a key concern, but issues with the colon or, in women, the reproductive organs are also possible.
Flank Pain: Pain in the right flank, radiating towards the abdomen or groin, is a classic symptom of kidney problems like kidney stones or infection.
Symptom Clues: Paying attention to the type of pain (dull vs. sharp), its location, and accompanying symptoms like fever or nausea can help narrow down the cause.
Know Emergency Signs: Sudden, severe pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
Diagnosis is Key: A healthcare provider can properly diagnose the cause of your right-sided pain, which can range from minor digestive issues to serious, life-threatening conditions.

Understanding the Anatomy: A Quadrant Approach

To understand the potential causes of right-sided pain, doctors often divide the abdomen into four quadrants: the right upper quadrant (RUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ). Focusing on the right side helps to narrow down the list of organs and possible conditions responsible for the discomfort.

The Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Located beneath the rib cage on your right side, the RUQ is home to several important organs. Pain here can indicate a problem with one of them.

Gallbladder: A small organ that stores bile, the gallbladder is a common source of right-sided pain. Problems often arise from gallstones, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can block the bile duct. This can cause severe, cramp-like pain, often referred to as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, that may radiate to your back or right shoulder blade. If a blockage causes inflammation (cholecystitis), it can lead to fever, nausea, and more persistent pain.
Liver: The large liver occupies most of the RUQ. While the liver itself has few nerve endings, inflammation (hepatitis) or other conditions can cause the surrounding capsule to stretch, resulting in a dull, constant ache. Other liver issues include fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer. Associated symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and nausea.
Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, can be affected by peptic ulcers. These sores can cause a gnawing, burning pain in the upper right abdomen, which may feel worse on an empty stomach.
Pancreas: While most of the pancreas is in the center and on the left side, the head of the pancreas extends into the RUQ. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

As the pain shifts lower, different organs come into play, with some conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

Appendix: The appendix is a small, finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, is a classic cause of RLQ pain. The pain often starts near the belly button before migrating to the lower right abdomen and intensifying. It is typically accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires swift treatment, usually surgical removal.
Colon (Large Intestine): Problems in the large intestine, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease, or diverticulitis (inflammation of pouches in the colon), can cause RLQ pain. Symptoms vary but often include cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel movements like diarrhea or constipation.
Reproductive Organs (in females): For women, the right ovary and fallopian tube are located in the RLQ. Conditions like ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and ectopic pregnancy can cause pain. These require medical evaluation, especially an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Inguinal Hernia: An inguinal hernia occurs when intestinal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. It can appear as a bulge and cause pain that worsens with coughing, lifting, or straining.

The Right Flank (Side) and Kidney Issues

The kidneys are located on either side of the spine, protected by the lower rib cage. Problems with the right kidney or ureter can cause pain that is often confused with back pain.

Kidney Stones: These small, hard deposits of minerals can cause intense, wave-like pain in the flank (side) and back as they travel through the urinary tract. The pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): A kidney infection can cause dull, persistent pain in the flank and back, often accompanied by fever, chills, and painful, frequent urination. It requires antibiotics to prevent permanent damage to the kidney.

Comparison of Common Causes of Right-Side Pain


Condition	Typical Location	Type of Pain	Associated Symptoms
Gallstones	Upper right abdomen, often radiating to back/shoulder	Sudden, severe, cramping pain (biliary colic)	Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, possibly fever
Appendicitis	Starts near navel, moves to lower right abdomen	Progressive, sharp, and localized pain	Fever, loss of appetite, nausea, bloating
Kidney Stones	Flank/side, radiating to lower abdomen/groin	Intense, sharp, and wave-like pain	Blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, fever
Ovarian Cysts	Lower right abdomen/pelvis	Dull ache, sharp pain if ruptured	Bloating, pain during intercourse, menstrual changes
Hepatitis	Upper right abdomen	Dull, constant ache	Fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is crucial to know when right-sided pain warrants a visit to a healthcare provider. While minor causes like gas or indigestion may resolve on their own, more serious conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated. The Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive information on symptoms of various conditions. You should seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Pain that is sudden, severe, and rapidly intensifying.
Fever and chills accompanying the abdominal pain.
Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
Swelling and extreme tenderness of the abdomen.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Bloody stools or blood in the urine.
Dizziness or fainting, which could indicate internal bleeding.

Conclusion

Pain on the right side of the body can be a complex and concerning symptom. Given the variety of organs in this area, from the gallbladder and liver in the upper abdomen to the appendix and female reproductive organs in the lower abdomen, accurate diagnosis is essential. While some causes are minor, others like appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy are medical emergencies. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible for trapped gas to cause pain anywhere in the abdomen, including the right side. Gas pains are often sharp or cramp-like and may move or feel worse after eating. The pain is usually temporary and often resolves on its own.

You should seek immediate medical attention if the pain is sudden, severe, or worsening, especially if accompanied by fever, chills, persistent nausea or vomiting, swelling, or changes in stool or urine. These could be signs of serious conditions like appendicitis, an ectopic pregnancy, or a ruptured organ.

Kidney pain is typically located higher up in the back, under the rib cage and on either side of the spine. It often feels deeper and more internal than back pain. Unlike musculoskeletal back pain, kidney pain usually doesn't change with movement. It is also more likely to be accompanied by urinary symptoms or fever.

Yes, if an ovarian cyst forms on the right ovary, it can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. A cyst may cause a dull ache, but if it ruptures or causes ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), it can lead to sudden, severe, sharp pain.

Gallbladder pain is often described as a sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right abdomen, just below the rib cage. It can sometimes radiate to the back or right shoulder and may be triggered by eating fatty foods. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Appendicitis pain is distinct because it often starts as a dull ache near the belly button before shifting to and concentrating in the lower right abdomen. It typically worsens over several hours and is often accompanied by a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. Pain that worsens with movement is also a key indicator.

Yes, indigestion, or dyspepsia, can cause a burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen, which can sometimes be felt more prominently on the right side. It is often triggered by food and may also be accompanied by bloating, burping, or a feeling of fullness.