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What Causes Swelling Under The Right Rib Cage?

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Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017
Question: on my right side at my lower rib cage is swelled and a little discomfort
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can be costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Male/65 - swelling and discomfort at the lower rib cage on right side - not consulted any Doctor - tried medications as mentioned...

The commonest cause of such a swelling is costochondritis.
Other causes can be inflamed muscles,due to direct or indirect trauma.
Local sprain or fracture ribs during violent coughing, sneezing or attack of asthma.

History of Advair indicates that you have asthma and of Lotrel indicates that you have hypertension too.

I would advise you the following:
Consult a Doctor as your have coexisting problems too so that a proper clinical examination is very important to know the status of hypertension, asthma and of the local pain. NSAIDs are usually avoided in case of asthma hence you need to be prescribed limited medications.

Hence discuss these points with your Doctor to get a proper prescription which is effective yet safe for you.
Til then apply hot compresses to relieve pain, Applying a skin adhesive tape in breathing out position gives very great relief as it stabilizes the painful/tender area which increases on deep inspiration, coughing, sneezing or any act/activity that increases strain on the affected area.

I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
The swelling is below my rib cage, right side. I hardly ever cough. My ribs are fine. I have also have been having constipation, but took a laxative and that fixed that. Could swelling have something to do with my digestive system or liver.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
If the swelling just below the rib case or away from the rib cage, exact location can help me to assist you better.
Constipation getting relieved by laxative indicates that you have some colonic pathology. If this is present in the right upper quadrant, it may be due to hepatic flexture or transverse colon. This causes swelling and little discomfort.
Liver pathology causes dull pain in the right upper quadrant.
Gall bladder inflammation too can cause such a problem.

Better to get the relevant clinical examination by your Doctor and get a reference for a General Surgeon to have further clinical evaluation, examination, investigations of X-ray of the chest, X-ray of the abdomen, ultrasonography and CT scan of the abdomen; colonoscopy as may be needed if indicated so.

I hope this answer helsp you further.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Swelling Under The Right Rib Cage?

Brief Answer: Can be costochondritis. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific. To recapitulate: Male/65 - swelling and discomfort at the lower rib cage on right side - not consulted any Doctor - tried medications as mentioned... The commonest cause of such a swelling is costochondritis. Other causes can be inflamed muscles,due to direct or indirect trauma. Local sprain or fracture ribs during violent coughing, sneezing or attack of asthma. History of Advair indicates that you have asthma and of Lotrel indicates that you have hypertension too. I would advise you the following: Consult a Doctor as your have coexisting problems too so that a proper clinical examination is very important to know the status of hypertension, asthma and of the local pain. NSAIDs are usually avoided in case of asthma hence you need to be prescribed limited medications. Hence discuss these points with your Doctor to get a proper prescription which is effective yet safe for you. Til then apply hot compresses to relieve pain, Applying a skin adhesive tape in breathing out position gives very great relief as it stabilizes the painful/tender area which increases on deep inspiration, coughing, sneezing or any act/activity that increases strain on the affected area. I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.