Upper Right Quadrant Pain and Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C symptoms can vary among patients. Upper right quadrant pain can happen with hepatitis C and liver disease. What action do you take if you experience upper right quadrant pain?

Liver anatomy

The liver is located on the right side under the rib cage. The liver is divided into two lobes, the right and the left. The liver is connected to the undersurface of the diaphragm and the anterior wall of the abdomen by five ligaments.^1,2

Within the liver, it includes various ducts, and two major blood vessels, the portal vein and the hepatic artery. Other organs surrounding the liver are the gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, and stomach.The liver has many functions, including working together with the surrounding organs to digest, absorb, and process food.^1,2

Upper right quadrant pain

Not all upper right quadrant pain is from the liver. Pain or the feeling of pressure can be caused by various other organs. Symptoms of pain and pressure can be temporary or long-lasting. Problems with any of the surrounding organs, ducts, or veins, can cause pain and pressure.

If you, break out in a sweat, feel faint, nauseated, or experience chest pain, extreme abdominal pain, or shortness of breath, call 911 and be seen immediately.

Tests can be run on your liver including, blood work, ultrasound, endoscopy, MRI, or other tests to rule out a problem within the liver and surrounding organs. If you experience pain or pressure in the upper right quadrant or upper abdomen, talk to your liver specialist and ask about tests to rule out a problem. Regular tests should be run if you have cirrhosis (severe scarring) such as blood work, ultrasound, and endoscopy to rule out associated conditions or complications.

Hepatitis C symptoms

Various abdominal and digestive symptoms issues can be associated with hepatitis C and liver disease. These include abdominal pain, appetite los, weight loss, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn, jaundice, and nausea.

My personal experience

I experienced upper right quadrant pain and pressure when I had hepatitis C and even during recovery, but it was discovered I had a gallbladder problem and sphincter of Oddi syndrome. I was told this was not related to my hepatitis C. Once I had surgery to correct my upper gastric issues, my pain resolved. Talk to your doctor about all symptoms you experience. Be proactive and safe.