Indigestion with right-side pain

Indigestion is often felt in the upper abdomen, but pain on the right can have several explanations. Upper-right pain after meals may occur with gallbladder problems such as gallstones; burning or sour symptoms can fit acid reflux or gastritis. Pain may also come from the bowel, muscles, or other abdominal organs. The symptom does not identify its own cause, so note whether it spreads to the back or shoulder and whether food changes it.

Rest, drink fluids, and choose light meals while observing the pattern. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen discomfort. Do not repeatedly take anti-inflammatory painkillers for unexplained stomach pain, and check any antacid or acid-reducing medicine with a pharmacist if you take other treatment. Arrange a clinician review if pain returns, persists, or is accompanied by nausea, fever, altered bowel movements, urinary symptoms, or yellowing of the eyes.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, fever with marked tenderness, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Right-upper abdominal pain with fever or yellow skin and eyes needs prompt assessment.

Tell the clinician when the pain began, where one finger would point, how long episodes last, and whether meals, movement, or bowel movements affect it. Ask whether you need examination, blood tests, or imaging based on the pattern.