Experiencing Discomfort in the Upper Right Rib Area?
Profile Overview: I am a 20-year-old nonbinary individual assigned female at birth. I have a history of asthma, and I’m currently managing suspected POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Occasionally, I deal with chronic pain that typically affects my legs without a clear diagnosis. My current medication regimen includes Azstarys and Focalin for ADHD, along with Lexapro, Metoprolol, Abilify, and Montelukast. I abstain from alcohol and tobacco, although I do use edibles from time to time. My dietary habits are reasonably healthy, and I engage in light to moderate physical activity 3-4 times weekly. As it's currently around 10 PM and my doctor's office is closed, I’m expressing my concerns here. Approximately 30 to 45 minutes ago, I began to feel a persistent, dull ache on the upper right side of my ribs, just beneath my armpit but not directly within it. The discomfort intensifies when I take deep breaths or when I exert my right arm in any manner; however, I do not experience pain in my shoulder or arm. For instance, pressing down on a soap dispenser exacerbated the pain, as did pulling a light blanket over myself. Earlier, I felt somewhat nauseated, but that subsided after I ate; nonetheless, the discomfort and shortness of breath continue. I worked yesterday morning, which involved moderate physical exertion like lifting some heavy items, but I would have expected to feel sore upon waking if that were the cause. Today, I haven't engaged in any demanding activities that might account for this pain. Although I occasionally have periods of pain flare-ups, I've never experienced this particular discomfort in my rib area. I'm familiar with pain, but nausea, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing make me think, "Maybe something is wrong here." So, I ask the medical community on Reddit: Am I in the clear? Should I reach out to my doctor in the morning if this pain continues? Or should I head to the emergency room right away?
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 2:05:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about new discomfort, especially given your history and the symptoms you describe. The pain in your upper right rib area, combined with shortness of breath and previous nausea, warrants careful consideration.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could be due to various reasons, including muscle strain, which is quite common, especially after physical exertion or lifting. However, since you also mentioned shortness of breath and persistent discomfort, it’s essential to take these symptoms seriously. Given your medical history of POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you may be more susceptible to atypical pain and discomfort.
The discomfort might also relate to respiratory issues or gastrointestinal causes, such as a gas buildup or reflux, particularly since it improved after eating. However, any pain in the chest or upper rib area should not be overlooked, especially if it intensifies with movement or breathing.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to the intensity of the pain, any new symptoms such as worsening shortness of breath, or changes in nausea. If symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few hours, consider seeking care.
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Gentle Movement: Avoid strenuous activities or movements that exacerbate the pain. Rest is crucial to see if symptoms improve.
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Pain Management: If the pain is not severe, over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen, may help reduce discomfort. Ensure you follow the recommended dosage.
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Deep Breathing: Practice gentle and controlled deep breathing exercises if you're comfortable, which can help relieve tension and promote better oxygenation.
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Seek Help if Needed: If your discomfort significantly increases, or if you experience more severe shortness of breath, chest pain radiating to your arm or jaw, or any new severe symptoms, do not hesitate to seek emergency care.
Follow-Up:
- If the pain persists into the morning with no signs of improvement, please contact your doctor promptly for further evaluation.
It's commendable that you're being proactive about your health. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance or support!
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