What causes a dull pain in the ribs on the right side of the body?

Under normal circumstances, a dull pain in the right rib area may be caused by strenuous exercise, or it could result from conditions such as costochondritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, or pleurisy. To accurately determine the underlying cause, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and receive appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Strenuous Exercise

In most cases, a dull pain in the right side of the ribs may be related to intense physical activity. After vigorous exercise, the tissues around the right ribs can be strained or injured, leading to symptoms such as localized dull ache, distension, or soreness. It is recommended to perform proper warm-up exercises before physical activity to prevent sports-related injuries.

2. Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the cartilage of the ribs. Common symptoms include swelling, protrusion, and pain in the costal cartilage region. If such symptoms occur, patients should seek medical examination and, under medical guidance, use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets for treatment.

3. Cholecystitis

Pain in the right ribs may also be due to cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is a chemical inflammation of the gallbladder caused by obstruction of the bile duct due to factors such as gallstones, inflammation and swelling of the cystic duct, or parasitic infestation (e.g., roundworms), resulting in bile stasis and concentration that irritates the gallbladder. If the pain is severe, patients should seek immediate medical attention and, as directed by a physician, take medications such as atropine sulfate tablets or racemic hyoscine butylbromide tablets.

4. Hepatitis

Dull pain in the right rib area may also indicate liver disease, particularly hepatitis. Patients should consider whether they have pre-existing liver conditions and undergo regular follow-up examinations. Diagnosis can be confirmed via abdominal ultrasound. Once the specific cause is identified, targeted treatment should be initiated. Commonly used medications include compound glycyrrhizin capsules or Anluo Huaxian pills, taken under a doctor's supervision.

5. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation within the pleural cavity, possibly caused by bacterial or viral infections. It can lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, and may also cause pain in the intercostal areas. Under medical guidance, patients may be treated with medications such as acyclovir tablets or amoxicillin capsules.

Patients are advised to seek prompt medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to undergo standardized treatment under professional medical supervision, which helps promote recovery.