Right Upper Abdomen Distension and Pain: Causes and Solutions

Q: Right Upper Abdomen Distension and Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello： The left side of your body contains the stomach, while the right side contains the liver. <br>Since the liver is a solid organ, the right abdomen will feel firmer than the left abdomen, and it may even protrude more than the left. <br>However, because you are experiencing

The right upper abdomen is more prominent, and there are occasional sharp pains in the right upper abdomen?

1.
Recently, I noticed that when viewed from above, the right upper abdomen is more protruding than the left upper abdomen (approximately in the area of the liver, which is shaped like an inverted triangle).
For over a year, my upper abdomen has been more prominent than my lower abdomen.
At that time, I didn't pay much attention and thought it was just weight gain (I gained about 3-4 kilograms over six months, after which it stabilized).
Currently, the appearance of my abdomen shows that the upper abdomen is slightly more protruding than the lower abdomen, and the right upper abdomen is even more prominent than the left upper abdomen.
However, when lying flat, my entire abdomen is basically flat.
When bending over and completely relaxed, it feels soft to the touch, and I don't feel anything particularly unusual.
2.
In the past few weeks, there have been a few instances of sharp pain in the right upper abdomen after eating.
The pain is tolerable and almost unnoticeable when at rest, but sometimes it hurts momentarily when I move.
There is a spot just below the right rib cage, near the side of the body, that doesn't hurt when pressed down, but it does hurt when I release my hand.
(About 1-2 weeks ago, I did a little Googling and found some articles suggesting that pain in the right upper abdomen after eating could be due to bile crystallization, possibly caused by insufficient water intake.
After forcing myself to drink more water for a few days, it seemed to improve, but recently, due to an injury on my tongue, drinking water has been painful, so I've been drinking less, and the pain has recurred.
However, I'm not sure if this is truly related to my water intake habits or if it is just coincidental.
Additionally, I'm uncertain about what the pain from bile crystallization feels like.) Current status: In the last 2-3 bowel movements, there have been several days in between, but the stool color is normal.
I've been eating a bit less, losing about 0.6 kilograms in the past month.
My sleep schedule is very regular, from 1-2 AM to 8 AM.
I would like to ask: 1.
Is the prominence of the right upper abdomen indicative of any issues, or is it normal? 2.
What could be the cause of this right upper abdominal pain, and is there any way to improve it?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/07

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The left side of your body contains the stomach, while the right side contains the liver.
Since the liver is a solid organ, the right abdomen will feel firmer than the left abdomen, and it may even protrude more than the left.
However, because you are experiencing pain in the right upper abdomen, there is a possibility of an ulcer or liver and gallbladder disease.
If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist.
If necessary, an abdominal ultrasound or even an endoscopy may be arranged.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2021/08/07

More Info

Understanding the symptoms you are experiencing in your right upper abdomen is crucial for determining the underlying causes and potential solutions. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider regarding the distension and pain in that area.

1. Right Upper Abdomen Distension: The noticeable protrusion of your right upper abdomen compared to the left could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is the presence of an enlarged organ, such as the liver or gallbladder. Conditions like hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) can occur due to various reasons, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other liver conditions. Additionally, gallbladder issues, such as gallstones or cholecystitis, could also lead to localized swelling or discomfort. However, since you mentioned that the abdomen feels soft upon pressing and does not exhibit any unusual masses, it may not be a significant concern at this moment.
2. Pain After Eating: The pain you experience in the right upper abdomen after meals could be related to several gastrointestinal issues. One common cause is gallbladder dysfunction, particularly if the pain occurs after consuming fatty foods. Gallstones can obstruct the bile duct, leading to pain, especially after eating. The pain you described as being tolerable but noticeable, particularly when moving, could also indicate a muscular issue or referred pain from the digestive organs.
3. Biliary Colic: The mention of "bile crystals" aligns with the concept of biliary colic, which occurs when gallstones temporarily block the bile duct. This can lead to sharp, intermittent pain in the right upper quadrant, often following meals. Staying hydrated is essential, as dehydration can exacerbate gallbladder issues. If you have been drinking less water due to your tongue injury, this could potentially contribute to the recurrence of your symptoms.

4. Constipation: Your recent experience with infrequent bowel movements could also play a role in your abdominal discomfort. Constipation can lead to abdominal distension and discomfort, particularly if there is a buildup of gas or stool in the intestines. Ensuring adequate fiber intake and hydration is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements.

5. Recommendations:
- Hydration: Continue to prioritize hydration, as it plays a significant role in digestive health and can help prevent gallbladder issues.

- Dietary Adjustments: Consider a diet low in fat and high in fiber to support digestive health. Avoiding heavy meals and eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help alleviate pain after eating.

- Medical Evaluation: Given the persistence of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to assess the liver and gallbladder for any abnormalities.

6. When to Seek Immediate Care: If you experience severe pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fever, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

In conclusion, while some of your symptoms may be benign, it is essential to monitor them closely and consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific condition and medical history.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Symptoms and Causes

Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for nearly a week. Initially, the pain was not severe, but in the past few days, I have been feeling intense pain upon waking, to the point where I cannot turn over. The pain is located in the upper right abdomen, and it hurts when ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the differential diagnoses for right upper abdominal pain include gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, or functional disorders, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, pleuritis, and neuralgia. If the pain persists for a week without improvement, it is advisable to ...

Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional discomfort in my upper right abdomen for the past 3 to 4 months. The discomfort is located approximately at the junction of the upper right abdomen and the rib cage, and it feels like muscle tightness or a strain. It's not un...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Some individuals may experience similar discomfort, which could be related to peristaltic digestion. Dietary adjustments and medication can help manage the symptoms, and long-term follow-up will likely lead to improvement, so please rest assured.

Managing Upper Right Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Tips for Relief

I have long working hours and irregular meal times, and I have been under constant pressure from sales performance, which has resulted in poor sleep quality. I often experience abdominal bloating, and I notice bowel sounds when pressure is applied to my abdomen. Occasionally, I h...

Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, long-term emotional stress from work and irregular eating habits are the most common causes of gastrointestinal dyspepsia. The best solution is to eliminate these aggravating factors to achieve a complete resolution. Relying solely on medication often does not provide a co...

Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello: Recently, I have been feeling a bloated sensation in my right abdomen (approximately eight centimeters above the navel on the right side). When I press on it with my hand, I feel nauseous; after eating, while walking, I experience a tightness in my right abdomen extending ...

Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ming. The pain in your upper right abdomen may be due to liver inflammation, gallbladder inflammation, peptic ulcer, gastric colic, or tendonitis. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine clinic for further evaluation and follow-up. Thank you.