Parts of the body you will feel pain if the liver is swollen

When the liver becomes swollen, it can affect other parts of the body and cause pain in places you might not expect. Below are some common areas where you might feel discomfort if your liver is swollen:

1. Upper Right Side of Your Belly

The liver sits in the top right part of your stomach area. When it swells, it presses on nearby organs and tissues. This pressure can cause pain or a heavy feeling. The pain may be dull or sharp and may get worse after eating or when lying on your right side.

2. Right Shoulder

The liver is close to the diaphragm—a muscle that helps you breathe. When the liver swells, it can irritate the diaphragm, which shares nerves with your shoulder. This can cause “referred pain,” meaning you feel pain in your shoulder even though the problem is in your liver.

3. Back and Lower Right Rib Area

Because the liver sits under your ribs, swelling can make your lower right ribs feel sore or tender. Sometimes, the pain can move toward your mid-back. It might be constant or come and go, depending on how swollen the liver is.

4. Upper Middle of the Belly

If the liver gets large enough, it can stretch toward the middle of your upper stomach. This can cause pressure or pain just below your chest bone. Many people mistake this for stomach pain or indigestion.

5. General Belly Discomfort or Bloating

If liver swelling becomes serious, fluid can build up in the belly—a condition called ascites. This causes bloating, a heavy feeling, and general discomfort. It also means the liver is badly damaged.

Other Signs That May Point to Liver Problems:

Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Feeling sick or vomiting

Not feeling hungry

Dark-coloured urine

Pale or clay-coloured stool

Why You Should Pay Attention:

Pain from a swollen liver is not always very strong, but it’s important to notice where the pain is coming from. If you often feel pain in the upper right part of your belly, shoulder, or rib area—especially if it comes with any of the symptoms above—see a doctor right away. Catching liver problems early can make a big difference in treatment.