What causes pain in the right rib area?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my right rib area recently, and the pain can be quite uncomfortable. Sometimes the pain subsides after a while, but at other times it lasts longer. I would like to know what could possibly be causing the pain on the right side of my ribs.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Right-sided rib pain can be caused by various factors, commonly including:
1. Trauma: A blow to the right ribs may cause damage to local soft tissues, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
2. Muscle or soft tissue injury: Intense physical activity, improper posture, or overexertion may lead to strains of the intercostal muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
3. Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, commonly affecting the second to fifth ribs.
4. Intercostal neuralgia: When the intercostal nerves are infected by a virus, intercostal neuritis may develop, causing pain along the nerve distribution area, accompanied by burning sensations and tenderness.
5. Rib fracture: A forceful impact to the right rib area may result in a rib fracture, leading to localized pain.
6. Gallbladder diseases: Conditions such as cholecystitis and gallstones may cause pain in the upper right abdomen and beneath the right ribs.
7. Liver diseases: Liver problems such as hepatitis and cirrhosis may also cause discomfort in the right rib area.
8. Gastrointestinal issues: Symptoms of conditions such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may sometimes radiate to the right rib region.
9. Kidney diseases: Kidney problems such as kidney stones and pyelonephritis may present as pain in the right lower back or below the ribcage.
