Abdominal Pain on Right side

I have dull pain or pressure under my rib cage on my right side.  This has been going on for a while and the pain is always there sometimes worse than other times.  Sometimes it feels like there is a balloon inside and it is slowly being filled with air.  The pain/pressure seems to be worse when I am constipated and that happens pretty often.  I have had an ultrasound and everything looked good.  My liver enzymes were fine.  Firstly, what type of doctor should I see to help me out on this?Secondly, what could this be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the ultrasound, which would evaluate the liver and gallbladder.

Dyspepsia and other upper GI conditions can lead to discomfort there.  An upper endoscopy can evaluate for GERD, an ulcer or inflammation.

If the pain is lower down, imaging can be done to exclude appendicitis.  Colonoscopy can also be considered to evaluate for colitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

These options can be discussed with a GI physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com