Feeling a pulsing or fluttering sensation in the upper right part of your belly can catch you off guard. You may find it strange, uncomfortable or even a little concerning.
There are a lot of harmless reasons for this to happen. But in some cases, it can be a sign of something that needs medical attention.
Kevin F. Moynahan, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine,
explained what might be going on and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Common reasons you may feel a pulsing sensation
Many things that can cause pulsing or fluttering in the upper right abdomen are not serious and often get better on their own. Here are a few.
Your body’s natural pulse
A major blood vessel called the abdominal aorta runs through the center of your abdomen. You may be more likely to notice its pulse:
- When you’re lying down
- After eating
- If you’re pregnant
- If you are thin or have less abdominal fat
If the sensation comes and goes and isn’t painful, it’s usually normal.
Muscle twitching
Small muscle spasms can cause fluttering sensations that don’t last for long.
They can be linked to:
- Stress or anxiety
- Dehydration
- Muscle strain or overuse
Muscle twitching is usually harmless and tends to go away on its own.
Gas and digestion
Gas moving through your intestines can sometimes feel like pulsing or fluttering.
You might notice this:
- After eating large meals
- After drinking carbonated beverages
- When you feel bloated
These digestive-related sensations often get better as gas passes or your food gets digested.
When the pulsing may point to a health condition
Sometimes, a pulsing or fluttering feeling can be related to a health issue. These are less common but it’s good to be aware of them.
Gallbladder problems
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation can cause pressure, discomfort or pulsing in the upper right abdomen. If you have a gallbladder problem, you may also notice:
- Nausea
- Pain after you eat fatty foods
- Discomfort that comes and goes
Liver inflammation
Conditions that can make your liver swollen or irritated can create a feeling of fullness or rhythmic or pulsing discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Other symptoms of possible liver conditions may include:
- Feeling very tired
- A dull pain or pressure under the right ribs
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
Blood vessel issues
In rare cases, you could have a weak or bulging blood vessel, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), that can cause a strong, steady pulsing sensation.
This is more concerning if the pulsing:
- Is constant
- Does not change when you shift positions
- Gets stronger over time
When to call your doctor
“People should seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe or persistent,” Dr. Moynahan said.
You should also get medical advice if:
- The pulsing is strong, steady or doesn’t go away
- You have pain, fever, nausea, vomiting or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- You have a history of liver, gallbladder or blood vessel problems
- The sensation is new and keeps coming back
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth getting it checked.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, Dr. Moynahan said you should talk to your doctor about screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm if:
- You’re male, over age 65 and have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in your lifetime
- You’re over age 65 and you have a parent, sibling or child with an AAA
In these cases, you may need a one-time ultrasound to screen for AAA.
How doctors find the cause
“Your physician will evaluate you for liver, gallbladder and blood vessel disorders,” Dr. Moynahan said.
To understand what’s causing the sensation, your health care provider may:
- Perform a physical exam
- Ask you questions about your symptoms
- Order blood tests to check your liver or gallbladder function or to look for signs of inflammation
- Recommend imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to look at organs and blood vessels
Treatment depends on what’s causing the symptoms. It could range from simple lifestyle changes to medical care.
Tips you can try at home
If symptoms are mild, these steps may help:
- Eat smaller meals and limit greasy or heavy foods
- Stay hydrated to help reduce muscle twitches and support your digestion
- Try gentle movement or stretching
- Keep a note of when the sensation happens to share with your provider
The bottom line
Many people feel a pulsing or fluttering sensation in their upper right abdomen at some point and most of the time it clears up on its own. Still, it’s important to pay attention to your body.
If the sensation doesn’t go away, it’s painful or you’re worried about it, reach out to a Banner Health provider for care. That way, you can find out what’s going on and take steps to clear up your symptoms.
