Liver pain and dark urine: what to know

Pain felt under the right ribs may come from the liver, gallbladder, nearby muscles, or another abdominal organ, so its location alone cannot identify the cause. Urine can become darker when the body lacks fluid, but brown or tea-coloured urine may also occur when bilirubin enters the urine because bile is not being processed or drained normally.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are examples of liver inflammation that can occur with dark urine. Yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, nausea, reduced appetite, itching, fever, or marked tiredness make prompt clinical review more important. Alcohol, medicines, supplements, and recent illness are useful details to mention.

Arrange a medical appointment promptly, especially if the change in urine persists or the pain is new. Keep drinking fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, and avoid alcohol until you have been assessed. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice, but bring a list of every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

A clinician may examine your abdomen and ask about bowel movements, recent travel, food or water exposure, new medicines, and previous liver problems. Blood tests and sometimes imaging can help distinguish dehydration from inflammation or a bile-flow problem.

Seek urgent care if severe or worsening pain is accompanied by repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, difficulty staying awake, fever, yellow skin or eyes, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Get immediate help for sudden severe abdominal pain or signs of collapse.

Ask what may be causing both symptoms, whether your medicines or supplements could contribute, which tests are appropriate, and what changes should prompt urgent review. Ask when it is safe to resume alcohol or strenuous activity.