Chronic Pain

For a couple of months now, I have experienced pain behind the lowest part of my right rib cage; I also feel it in my back at the same area, and occasionally on my side. Sometimes all three areas at the same time. It is most prominent when I take a deep breath, or have been sitting in a stationary position for more than an hour. I thought at first I might have pulled something; but it just won't go away. The level of pain lightens up and worsens for no good reason. I feel it every day. is it my gall bladder, or large intestine??

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without evaluation.

Pain that changes with breathing can be indicative of pleurisy or a musculoskeletal cause.  More concerning would be a blood clot within the lungs.

I would get evaluated by your personal physician.  Tests to consider would be a chest x-ray, and if a clot is suspected, a CT scan can be performed.

If your doctors suspects gallbladder disease, the next step would be an abdominal ultrasound.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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