Upper Right Rib Discomfort: What's Going On?
**Personal Background:** I am a 20-year-old nonbinary individual assigned female at birth. I manage asthma, suspected POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, alongside intermittent chronic leg pain without a diagnosed cause. My current medication regimen includes Azstarys and Focalin for ADHD, Lexapro, Metoprolol, Abilify, and Montelukast. I don't consume alcohol or tobacco; however, I do occasionally use edibles. My diet is generally healthy, and I engage in light to moderate exercise roughly three to four times weekly. It’s currently around 10 PM, and since my doctor’s office is closed, I’m turning to this platform to express my concerns. Recently, I started feeling a persistent, dull, and aching discomfort in the upper right side of my ribcage, slightly below my armpit—not directly in it. This sensation began roughly 30 to 45 minutes ago. The pain intensifies when I take deep breaths or when I exert my right arm, but I don't feel any discomfort in my arm or shoulder. For instance, pressing down on a soap dispenser exacerbated the pain, as did pulling a lightweight blanket over myself. Earlier, I felt a bit nauseated, but eating something alleviated that issue; nonetheless, the discomfort and trouble with deep breaths remain noticeable. I worked yesterday morning, which involved moderate physical activity, including lifting some heavy items. However, I figured I might have experienced soreness sooner if that were the cause of my current plight. Today, I haven't engaged in any physically demanding tasks that might lead to such discomfort. While I often experience flare-ups, I have never had pain in this particular area before. Though I am accustomed to dealing with various types of pain, it’s concerning to feel nausea, chest discomfort, and trouble breathing simultaneously. So, I’m reaching out to the medical community here: Should I wait until morning to contact my doctor if the pain doesn’t subside? Or should I consider seeking emergency care right away?
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 2:13:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the discomfort you're experiencing in your upper right rib area, especially considering your medical background and the symptoms you've described. While it might be muscle-related, it's important to be aware of potential underlying causes that could warrant immediate attention.
Explanation:
The dull, aching discomfort near your ribcage, especially when it intensifies with deep breaths or physical activity, could be related to several factors. Given your history of conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, muscular strain or rib joint issues are possibilities. However, since you've also mentioned nausea and trouble breathing, it’s essential to rule out more serious issues, such as a lung condition or any vascular concerns.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how the pain evolves. Note any changes in severity, duration, or additional symptoms (like worsening nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing).
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Rest and Position: Try to rest in a comfortable position that alleviates the discomfort. Avoid any activities that exacerbate the pain. Gentle stretching may help if it feels comfortable, but listen to your body.
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Breathing Techniques: If you're feeling discomfort while breathing, practice gentle, controlled breathing (inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth) to help ease any tightness.
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Medications: If you have any over-the-counter pain relief medication that you typically tolerate well (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), consider taking it as directed to manage discomfort.
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Decision for Care: Given your symptoms of nausea and difficulty with breathing, if the discomfort worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms such as extreme chest pain, significant shortness of breath, or radiating pain, seek emergency care immediately.
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Contact Your Doctor: If symptoms persist without improvement overnight, prioritize contacting your healthcare provider in the morning. Provide them with a detailed description of your symptoms and any changes you've noted.
While waiting for your appointment, try to keep calm and remember that discomfort can often be related to non-serious causes. However, addressing it proactively is vital. Take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out to emergency services if your condition changes dramatically.
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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?