Common Causes
One of the most common symptoms that accompany kidney problems is intense pain in your right upper quadrant (RUQ). The pain may last for a few minutes or several hours. Treating your kidney problem will depend on the underlying cause.
Related Conditions
When a kidney stone forms in the right kidney, it can cause pain in the RUQ. Other symptoms of kidney stones can include: blood in the urine, which may appear red, pink, or brown
What are the symptoms of right upper quadrant pain?
Kidney problems such as kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), a kidney infection, or kidney cancer can lead to RUQ pain. Symptoms that can accompany RUQ pain due to a kidney problem include:
Can kidney stones cause pain in the right side of urine?
A stone that grows to 3 millimeters or larger can block the ureter as it moves from the kidney to the bladder. This movement can cause unbearable pain, usually in the lower back, right / left flank, or groin. Kidney stone pain can be intermittent or ongoing. Kidney stone pain is only one symptom that patients experience.
What causes RUQ pain in the kidney?
Can kidney stones cause pain in the lower back?
What does it mean when you have pain from kidney stones?
What causes pain in the right side of the chest?
Why does my ruq hurt?
What are gallstones made of?
What causes pain in the middle of the abdomen?
What side of abdomen hurts?
What are the four quadrants of the abdomen?
See more
About this website
Can kidney stones cause pain under right rib?
This pain can radiate to the front of the body below the rib cage, and down into the groin. The pain can be so severe as to cause nausea and vomiting, and the patient cannot find a comfortable position. Persons with kidney stones may have blood in their urine, and there may be pain with urination.
What is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain?
Acute cholecystitis is the most common diagnosable cause for right upper quadrant abdominal (RUQ) pain in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). However, over one-third of patients initially thought to have acute cholecystitis actually have RUQ pain attributable to other causes.
Can kidney issues cause RUQ pain?
Kidney problems such as kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), a kidney infection, or kidney cancer can lead to RUQ pain. Symptoms that can accompany RUQ pain due to a kidney problem include: pain that radiates to the lower back or groin. painful urination.
When should I be concerned about pain under my right rib?
Any pain you feel under your right rib cage isn't usually anything to worry about, but if the pain is severe or persists, you should see a doctor as it could be caused by an underlying condition.
When should I go to the ER for upper right quadrant pain?
If the pain is sudden, severe or does not ease within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Sudden abdominal pain is often an indicator of serious intra-abdominal disease, such as a perforated ulcer or a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, although it could also result from a benign disease, such as gallstones.
What could cause pain in the right upper quadrant abdomen?
Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen. Upper right abdominal pain, or sharp pain below your ribcage, can be caused by gallstones, a gall bladder infection, a stomach ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, or it may be a lung condition.
What are the warning signs of kidney stones?
As stones move into your ureters — the thin tubes that allow urine to pass from your kidneys to your bladder — signs and symptoms can result. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones can include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine.
What can be mistaken for kidney stones?
Patients who have kidney stones may experience blood in the urine (hematuria), foul-smelling urine, abdominal or pelvic pain, and frequent urination....Conditions that can be mistaken for kidney stones, sharing similar symptoms:Appendicitis or lower back pain.Urinary tract infection (UTI)Stomach flu or virus.
Where do you hurt with kidney stones?
The sharp pain associated with a kidney stone moves as the stone progresses through your urinary tract. The most common places to feel pain are in your: Lower abdomen or groin. Along one side of your body, below your ribs.
What is under a woman's right rib cage?
The right upper quadrant (RUQ) includes the pancreas, right kidney, gallbladder, liver, and intestines. Pain under the ribs in this area can indicate a health problem affecting one of these organs or the surrounding tissues.
How do I know if its rib pain or liver pain?
Liver pain is felt in the upper right area of the abdomen, just below the ribs. Usually, it is a dull, vague pain though it can sometimes be quite severe and may cause a backache, according to the Cleveland Clinic (opens in new tab). Sometimes people perceive it as pain in the right shoulder.
What is on your right side right under your rib cage?
Just under the right side of your rib cage lie several important organs, such as the pancreas, gallbladder, right kidney, and parts of your liver, and small and large intestines. Experts divide the abdomen into four quadrants, and the upper quarter on the right-hand side is the RUQ or right upper quadrant.
How do I know if its rib pain or liver pain?
Liver pain is felt in the upper right area of the abdomen, just below the ribs. Usually, it is a dull, vague pain though it can sometimes be quite severe and may cause a backache, according to the Cleveland Clinic (opens in new tab). Sometimes people perceive it as pain in the right shoulder.
What does pancreatitis pain feel like?
Acute pancreatitis symptoms Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating. Swollen, tender abdomen.
What organ is on your upper right side under rib cage?
The right upper quadrant (RUQ) includes the pancreas, right kidney, gallbladder, liver, and intestines. Pain under the ribs in this area can indicate a health problem affecting one of these organs or the surrounding tissues.
What causes a RUQ to hurt?
Gastrointestinal issues. A variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as indigestion, gastritis, and peptic ulcers, can cause RUQ pain. Typically, the pain caused by these conditions is a dull, burning type of pain. Other symptoms can include: a feeling of uncomfortable fullness. abdominal bloating. burping or gas.
Why does my RUQ hurt?
Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or choledocholithiasis, can cause RUQ pain. Choledocholithiasis is the presence of gallstones within your bile ducts. RUQ pain due to gallstones may last several hours and most often occurs after a large meal or in the evening.
What does a RUQ pain mean?
pain that radiates to the lower back or groin. painful urination. foul-smelling urine. frequent urination. blood in your urine. fever. nausea or vomiting. If you have RUQ pain and suspect it may be due to a kidney problem, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
What is the RUQ on the right side of the body?
Imagine a vertical line that divides your abdomen in half. Then, imagine a horizontal line at the level of your belly button. The uppermost quarter on your right-hand side is your right upper quadrant (RUQ). The RUQ contains many important organs, including parts of your liver, right kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, and large and small intestine.
How does a RUQ feel?
RUQ pain may vary in intensity depending on the underlying condition. The pain may feel like a dull ache or a sharp stabbing sensation. If you have had abdominal pains that last more than a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have your symptoms evaluated.
What are the symptoms of a RUQ?
In addition to RUQ pain, other symptoms of a liver condition can include: yellowish skin (jaundice) abdominal tenderness. nausea or vomiting. darkened urine. fever. fatigue. unexplained weight loss. If you have RUQ pain and symptoms that are consistent with a liver condition, you should see your doctor.
Can a RUQ cause nausea?
It can also develop earlier in pregnancy, or, in some cases, postpartum. The hallmark of preeclampsia is a rise in blood pressure, but RUQ pain often occurs as well. Additional symptoms can include: severe headache. nausea or vomiting. decreased urination.
What causes pain in the upper right quadrant?
The upper right quadrant is complex. Inflammation, obstruction, or injury to any of its structures can result in serious pain. Common causes are detailed below; however, you should seek care if your symptoms do not resolve on their own.
Why does my right side of my abdomen hurt?
Upper right abdominal pain, or sharp pain below your ribcage, can be caused by gallstones, a gall bladder infection, a stomach ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, or it may be a lung condition.
Why is my right upper abdomen inflamed?
Any of the structures of the upper right abdomen can become inflamed due to infectious causes or irritation from other related issues. Infectious: There are many pathogens, both bacterial and viral, that can infect the organs of the right upper abdomen.
What is the pain of eating on an empty stomach?
Stomach ulcer. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum), which causes pain following meals or on an empty stomach. Rarity: Uncommon. Top Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, moderate abdominal pain, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Symptoms include fever; chills; right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder; and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
What causes pain in the upper abdomen?
Trauma to the upper abdomen from a direct blow or motor vehicle accident can cause pain, bruising, or internal bleeding.
How many quadrants are there in the abdomen?
The abdomen can be separated into four quadrants, each having different structures. Abdominal pain often resolves on its own; however, it can be due to serious causes as well. If you do seek care from a physician, try to provide as many details as you can.
Where does kidney pain start?
Your kidney sits partially underneath your ribs in the back, so for many, the pain will start in the flank area, which is on either side of your middle back, between your pelvis and your ribs. The pain often moves from there around to your abdomen and groin area, the area of your hip between your stomach and thigh.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones can be caused by several factors like dehydration, diet, medical conditions, medications, or a family history of kidney stones. There are different types of stones as well, like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid and struvite.
What is kidney stone?
Kidney stones are solid, often irregularly shaped masses or crystals made of minerals and salts that form in your urinary tract . “They form in the kidney, but then can move around and get stuck in the ureter [the tube that drains urine from your kidney down to your bladder], which is usually what causes symptoms,” says Dr. De.
How many people get kidney stones in their lifetime?
You feel a pain in your side, or you notice blood in your urine. Could it be kidney stones? One in 10 people will likely get a kidney stone in their lifetime. Though it’s a common condition, many of us struggle to identify if we’re dealing with a kidney stone or something else.
Can you have a kidney stone if you have a bladder infection?
If you think you have a bladder or kidney infection, you might have a kidney stone instead. Dr. De has seen several patients who have been diagnosed with possible UTIs (urinary tract infections) or bladder infections and have been given a few rounds of antibiotics. “Turns out that they don’t actually have an infection,” says Dr. De. “They have a stone that has been bouncing around for a while causing inflammation.”
Can kidney stones cause nausea?
You may experience nausea and vomiting while dealing with a kidney stone. A shared nerve connection between the kidneys and the GI tract can cause an upset stomach.
Can you tell if you passed a stone?
“Then there’s the bladder out the urethra, which generally doesn’t cause pain.” Often, people only know they urinated out a stone if they are straining their urine or see it in the toilet. If you have severe pain or severe nausea or vomiting, head to the ER.
What does it feel like to have pain in the right upper quadrant?
Abdominal pain is a very common complaint in both children and adults. This pain may feel like a sharp sting, a burning sensation, or a dull ache. The intensity of the pain usually varies depending on the underlying condition. Luckily, in most cases, upper abdominal pain is usually nothing ...
Why does my right upper quadrant hurt?
In most cases of gallstones may be asymptomatic. But some causes, such as Biliary colic and cholecystitis, can cause intense pain in the right upper quadrant.
What is the upper quadrant of the abdomen?
The uppermost quadrant on the right side of your abdomen is your right upper quadrant (RUQ). Your RUQ houses many vital body organs, including: A lot of conditions could cause pain in your right upper quadrant. The pain could signal a problem affecting one or more of the organs in your upper abdomen.
How long does pancreatitis pain last?
The abdominal pain may be severe and last for several days.
How long does the right upper quadrant pain last?
The pain may last for a few minutes or several hours. Other symptoms can include: Fever.
What causes pain in the upper abdomen?
Liver problems that could trigger pain in your upper abdomen include Hepatitis A, B, C, liver abscesses, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cancer.
What causes pain in the right quadrant of the body?
5. Cancer. Some particular types of cancers can cause pain in your upper right quadrant, especially cancers of organs in your abdomen.
Why Do Kidney Stones Cause Pain?
Agonizing, intolerable, miserable, excruciating, stabbed with a knife, worse than childbirth.
Where does pain go when a kidney stone is lodged?
It is commonly sensed as high as the upper flank when the stone is lodged in the proximal ureter and as low as the labia/testicle when down near the uretero-vesical junction at the entry to the bladder.
What is phase 3 of ureteral pressure?
Phase three is marked by a further decrease in renal blood flow to the affected kidney and ultimately decreased ureteral pressure. The end clamp is progressively tightened so blood flow to the kidney is reduced enough that filtration and urine production begin to fall, and pressure with it.
Why does blood flow to the affected kidneys fall?
It falls because the efferent arterioles, which let blood out of the capillaries where filtration occurs, begin to constrict and raise filtration by the renal glomerulae. The increased filtration maintains and can even raise pressures.
Why does my ureter hurt?
This occurs through a combination of the stone moving and the tensions of the ureter with increases or decreases of muscle spasm.
What happens when urine is stretched?
Urine from the kidney can no longer pass to the bladder and as a result builds up and stretches the proximal – closest to the kidney – ureter and renal collecting system. This stretch activates nociceptive nerve fibers – fibers which sense injury – within an entire neuronal network located submucosally in the renal pelvis, calyces, capsule and ureter.
When was renal colic first diagnosed?
As a matter of fact, it is remarkable how little has changed in its clinical presentation over this time period. In 400 B.C. Hippocrates referred to it as first disease of the kidneys. He was one of the initial observers to comprehend the association between urinary obstruction and pain, writing:
Why does my right upper quadrant hurt?
Liquids leak out and irritate the lining, causing pain and a condition called peritonitis . Causes of Right Upper Quadrant Pain. There can be several causes for right upper quadrant pain. The most common causes include: Gallbladder problems. Gallstones. Cholecystitis. Kidney problems.
How to find the right upper quadrant of the abdomen?
To find this section, look down at your belly and imagine a vertical line through the center. Then imagine a second horizontal line across your belly. This divides your abdomen into four sections. The upper right section near your ribs is the right upper quadrant.
What Is RUQ Pain?
Pain in your abdomen can be hard to diagnose because it holds so many organs. Doctors describe your abdomen in sections or quadrants to help find the organs that might be the cause of any health problems.
What is the pain in the abdomen called?
This is called referred pain. Somatic pain. This kind of pain comes from nerves responding to a problem in the abdominal cavity. You have a membrane that lines your abdomen called the peritoneum. The nerves here can respond to irritation or cutting. This usually gives you very sharp pain that’s easy to pinpoint.
What is it called when you have pain in your right shoulder?
Hard to pinpoint. Referred pain. Sometimes problems with organs in your abdomen might cause pain in a different part of your body. For example, a problem with your gallbladder might cause pain in your abdomen but also in your right shoulder. This is called referred pain.
What does sudden pain mean?
This kind of sudden pain usually means something serious is happening. Visceral pain. This pain comes from your organs, which are called the viscera. Visceral pain is a response to your organs stretching or the surrounding muscles contracting. Visceral pain is usually: Dull.
How do they know if you have peritonitis?
They will feel your abdomen for masses, if you involuntarily contract your muscles during touch, if the muscles stay tight even when they’re not being touched, or if you flinch with pain. They will also look for how sensitive you are to touch. If you have these signs, you might have peritonitis.
Why does kidney stone pain start suddenly?
Kidney stone pain often starts suddenly. As the stone moves, the pain changes location and intensity.
Why do I have a stomach upset when I have kidney stones?
These symptoms happen because of shared nerve connections between the kidneys and GI tract ( 9 ). Stones in the kidneys can trigger nerves in the GI tract, setting off an upset stomach.
What percentage of people with kidney stones have a urinary tract infection?
One study found that about 8 percent of people with acute kidney stones had a urinary tract infection ( 6 ).
What is the most severe pain in the body?
1. Pain in the back, belly, or side. Kidney stone pain — also known as renal colic — is one of the most severe types of pain imaginable ( 2. Trusted Source. ). Some people who’ve experienced kidney stones compare the pain to childbirth or getting stabbed with a knife.
Why do kidney stones form?
Some kidney stones can become so large they take up the entire kidney. A kidney stone forms when too much of certain minerals in your body accumulate in your urine. When you aren’t well hydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated with higher levels of certain minerals.
What is kidney stone?
Kidney stones are hard collections of salt and minerals often made up of calcium or uric acid. They form inside the kidney and can travel to other parts of the urinary tract. Stones vary in size. Some are as small as the period at the end of this sentence — a fraction of an inch. Others can grow to a few inches across.
How many people get kidney stones?
When mineral levels are higher, it’s more likely that a kidney stone will form. About 1 out of every 11 people in the United States will get a kidney stone. Stones are more common in men, people who are obese, and those who have diabetes ( 1. ).
How painful is a kidney stone?
In reality, kidney stones are generally silent (asymptomatic) until they begin to pass. A stone that grows to 3 millimeters or larger can block the ureter as it moves from the kidney to the bladder. This movement can cause unbearable pain, usually in the lower back, right / left flank, or groin. Kidney stone pain can be intermittent or ongoing.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical help. Severe pain – Pain that prevents patients from finding a comfortable position, including severe pain in the lower back, abdomen or groin.
Why is it so hard to pee?
Difficult and painful urination – Blockage in the ureter can cause difficulty in passing urine. If urine cannot pass, it can cause an infection. The stone may also be in the urethra, the tube that passes urine from the bladder outside the body.
What to do if kidney stones pain does not abate?
If the pain does not abate, go to the emergency room. Nausea and vomiting – If the pain is so severe that it is causes nausea and/or vomiting, the patient should go to an emergency room as soon as possible. Oftentimes described as the worst pain of their lives, patients with kidney stones should not hesitate to seek treatment.
How long does a kidney stone last?
The pain can come in waves, be a stabbing pain or throbbing pain. Pain can last as little as 20 minutes or as long as an hour (or more). If the pain does not abate, go ...
Can kidney stones cause pain?
A stone that grows to 3 millimeters or larger can block the ureter as it moves from the kidney to the bladder. This movement can cause unbearable pain, usually in the lower back, right / left flank, or groin. Kidney stone pain can be intermittent or ongoing.
Is kidney stone pain a symptom?
Kidney stone pain is only one symptom that patients experience. Understanding other warning signs may help them avoid a great deal of suffering. This will also aid in securing a quick diagnosis and treatment. Below is a list of symptoms that kidney stone patients may experience.
What does it mean when you have pain from kidney stones?
a frequent need to urinate. low levels of urine. an inability to urinate. If a person suspects that pain results from kidney stones, or if they have other symptoms of the condition, they should see a doctor right away. Treatment may involve removing the stone or breaking it into pieces that the body can pass easily.
What causes pain in the right side of the chest?
Lung conditions, such as pneumonia, can cause pain that spreads to the right side of the chest under the ribs. Other conditions in surrounding areas can also cause pain in the RUQ. Some include: shingles. a hernia. bruising of the ribs. inflamed cartilage of the ribs, known as costochondritis.
Why does my ruq hurt?
Gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, can cause RUQ pain. RUQ pain can result from gastrointestinal issues, such as indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ). Symptoms of GERD can include: frequent heartburn. chest pain. nausea. vomiting. a sore or burning sensation in the throat.
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are small and made up of cholesterol or bilirubin, which is a substance that forms when red blood cells break down. The primary risk factor for gallstones is being overweight, particularly if the weight is around the waist. Gallstones can cause: sharp pain in the RUQ that lasts for hours. fever and chills.
What causes pain in the middle of the abdomen?
Pancreatitis. A pancreas condition can cause pain under the ribs in the middle of the abdomen, in the RUQ, or the left upper quadrant (LUQ). Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and it may result from gallstones or overuse of alcohol. Symptoms of pancreatitis include: steady or sharp pain in the upper abdomen.
What side of abdomen hurts?
Anyone with consistent or severe pain in the right side of the abdomen should seek immediate medical attention.
What are the four quadrants of the abdomen?
This classification helps them better identify symptoms. The right upper quadrant (RUQ) includes the pancreas, right kidney, gallbladder, liver, and intestines.
Clinical significance
Pain in the upper right quandrant of abdomen.
Upper right abdominal pain is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Indigestion
- Bloating/gas
Research
History
Quotes
Pathophysiology
Example
Function
- We have since come to appreciate the complex physiologic basis for this relationship at a much deeper level.
Symptoms
- The first step in this process is acute obstruction, most commonly from a stone. But in stone formers masses of crystals can create obstruction, as can blood clots if bleeding is particularly brisk. Urine from the kidney can no longer pass to the bladder and as a result builds up and stretches the proximal closest to the kidney ureter and renal collecting system. This stretch acti…
Side effects
- Figure 1 (left) Example of obstructing proximal ureteral stone with dilation and stretch of the collecting system above the level of obstruction.
Mechanism
- These fibers then transmit afferent signals to the T11 L1 spinal cord which the body interprets as pain at the corresponding level of neuronal activation. As the stone migrates from the kidney down the ureter and towards the bladder, pain usually shifts downward as well. It is commonly sensed as high as the upper flank when the stone is lodged in ...
Characteristics
- Patients passing stones may experience other symptoms in addition to pain. Many of the nerves involved in the process of obstruction are intimately linked to innervation of adjacent organs, for example the gastrointestinal tract. Cross activation of these associated nerve fibers has been proposed as an explanation for the nausea and vomiting which so often occurs in the setting of …
Operation
- It causes ureteral hyperperistalsis (increased intensity of the waves of coordinated ureteral contractions which normally drive urine down to the bladder) and eventually even ureteral spasm. It also leads to dilation of the afferent arterioles those tiny resistance vessels which control the flow of blood into the capillaries of the kidneys.
Components
- With time, blood flow to the affected kidney falls, even though the arterioles which let blood into the renal capillaries remain dilated. It falls because the efferent arterioles, which let blood out of the capillaries where filtration occurs, begin to constrict and raise filtration by the renal glomerulae. The increased filtration maintains and can even raise pressures.
Diagnosis
- In many ways, this complex system is analogous to the soaker hoses many people use to water their lawns. The afferent arterioles are the faucet the hose is connected to and the efferent arterioles are the opening at the end of the hose which can be closed or left open into a sprinkler.
Signs and symptoms
- When working appropriately, the faucet and the end are both open and water (urine) is produced at a slow, constant rate (Figure 4 left). With an obstructing stone the faucet so to speak is opened more and the end clamped more so more fluid water is filtered out along the length of the hose at high pressure (Figure 4 right). In the kidney this filtration is into the nephrons and raises pressur…
Prognosis
- Figure 4 Soaker Hose Analogy to Renal Blood Flow and Filtration. On the left, there is little pressure in the system and water (urine) seeps out slowly from along its length. On the right, the inflow is much higher than the outflow and water (urine) shoots out from along the hose at exceedingly high pressure.
Causes
- Measurements of ureteral pressure (red) and renal blood flow (blue) after onset of acute unilateral ureteral obstruction. (Courtesy Campbell-Walsh Urology, Tenth Edition, Elsevier Inc.) It is easy to conjecture how these three distinct phases correlate clinically to the symptoms experienced during an acute episode of colic.
Variants
- The onset of pain classically correlates to phase one and the inciting obstructive event. It is at this point that the patient commonly seeks care in the emergency room or physicians office.
Treatment
- The pain classically persists at a severe level for several hours (phase two) but ultimately subsides, at least partially (phase three). Such patients are frequently encountered. Despite a lack of physiologic explanation as to why these non-obstructing stones may cause pain, there is emerging evidence that they do and therefore that removal can cure it. In 2006 Taub et al. descri…
Results
- Though the physiologic basis of pain in the setting of obstruction is clear, it does not provide an explanation for one of the most commonly encountered conundrums in stone disease the symptomatic non-obstructing stone. These can be actual free stones that have not passed, stones attached to plaque, or actual plugs in the kidney tubules that are massed together enoug…
Society and culture
- There is perhaps as much variation in clinical opinion in such instances as any other clinical scenario in the field.