Ribs, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Rib Pain and Body Discomfort: Possible Causes

Rib pain accompanied by general malaise? I would like to ask, in the past couple of days, I have been experiencing intermittent dull pain in the lower ribs on both sides, along with a sore throat. At times, I also feel cold. What could be the possible reasons for this?


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in your ribs, sore throat, and chills may be caused by a viral infection. Currently, common viral infections include the COVID-19 virus and the influenza virus, among others. It is recommended that you seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.

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Understanding Lower Back Pain After an Elbow Impact: When to Seek Help

Right lower back struck by an elbow? Hello Doctor: Today at the market, due to the crowd, I was struck hard in the lower right back (near the lower ribs) by the elbow of a middle-aged woman. Currently, my entire right back intermittently aches, with a pain level of about 6. I hav...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss QQ: 1. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain; if you suspect a rib fracture or injury, it is recommended that you go directly to a surgical outpatient clinic at a regional hospital or higher for evaluation, and undergo a chest X-ray if necessary. 2. Based on your ...

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Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Rib Pain After a Fall?

Inquiry about medical specialties? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I fell and hit the ground hard. Since then, I've been experiencing pain near my ribs, but I haven't noticed any bruising. The pain worsens with vigorous activities like running or even laughing. I'm ...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic.

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Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Rib Pain After a Fall?

Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor. After falling last week, I have been experiencing pain near my ribs. There are no external injuries or bruises, but the area hurts significantly when I run or laugh. Should I seek medical diagnosis and treatment? Which department shoul...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is more likely that you have a chest contusion from the fall, which usually heals naturally within a few weeks. However, if the pain persists without improvement or worsens, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, it is important to ...

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Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Consultation for pain around the rib cage? Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago, I started experiencing vague pain under my lower ribs and on the side of my chest (I don't recall any external trauma). The pain is sometimes sharp, cramping, and occasionally tender to the touch. ...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic.

[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor


Assessing Post-Car Accident Wounds: Inflammation, Healing, and Next Steps

Hello, Dr. Lin, this is the wound from my car accident on the 28th, which was last Saturday? First, the most severe wound on the foot looks like this: https://upload.cc/i1/2023/01/31/fX9E3l.jpg. I'm not sure if this wound is still inflamed or if the scab is not healing well ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the wound on your foot, based on the image, it appears to still have some inflammation, and there may be some exudate present. However, this should be part of the normal healing process. It is recommended to continue regular dressing changes and not to use a...

[Read More] Assessing Post-Car Accident Wounds: Inflammation, Healing, and Next Steps


Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues

Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues


Understanding Rib Pain While Lying Flat: Causes and Solutions

Supine position abdominal rib pain? Hello, doctor. Recently, when lying flat, I've noticed discomfort on both sides at the bottom of my ribs and my abdomen, feeling a sense of pressure in that position. When I lift my knees up while lying flat, it causes significant pain on ...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the description above, it is difficult to make assumptions directly. It is advisable to seek a medical evaluation in person. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain While Lying Flat: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Dull and distended pain above the left kidney? The left upper back near the spine is experiencing dull and pressure-like pain. I can feel it when lying down or bending over, and sometimes there is pain in the side ribs as well. I am concerned it might be a pancreatic issue. I hav...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in the upper left area of your back could potentially be related to various issues, ranging from the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, diaphragm, pleura, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, to large intestine, among others. Since you h...

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Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers

Shoulder pain Hello, doctor! I have been troubled by some issues for a while. I usually spend long hours (about 3 hours at a time) sitting at my computer desk for work or gaming, and my sleep schedule is fixed around 12 to 1 or 2 AM. Over time, I have developed back pain that onl...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, it is important for you to have an evaluation by a rehabilitation physician and to change your daily habits. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Cha...

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Severe Symptoms: Sudden Chest Pain and Ongoing Discomfort Explained

Symptoms have worsened, with sudden sharp pain in the heart? I have been experiencing chronic headaches and dizziness for about three years (I often take painkillers, consuming an entire bottle during one summer). I am currently trying to control my intake. Previously, I had an E...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit a cardiology or family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Severe Symptoms: Sudden Chest Pain and Ongoing Discomfort Explained


Understanding Left Chest and Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers

Pain in the left sternum and lower edge? Hello Doctor, I am an office worker who has a sedentary lifestyle and lacks exercise. About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in my left back, left sternum (slightly to the left of the nipple line), left armpit, and the rib area ben...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your pain issue, the general area is located in the left chest and underarm. The potential causes could range from skin, muscle ligaments, breast, ribs, pleura, lungs, or heart problems. Based on your medical evaluation, it is likely that you have a breast fibroc...

[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers


Understanding Unusual Sensations: What Your Body Might Be Telling You

Strange sensations in the body? Hello, Doctor. Since March 12 of this year, I have been experiencing some strange sensations: 1. I feel as if my ankle or arm is being grabbed, or that someone is pressing down heavily on the top of my head. There was also an instance where I felt ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, from a Western medical perspective, we would likely start by addressing the abnormal sensations and consider the following conditions: 1. Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes or thyroid issues), which may sometimes be accompanied by menstrual ir...

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Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Frozen Pork Ribs? Parasite Risks Explained

Eating undercooked frozen processed pork ribs can pose a risk of parasitic infection? I bought a pack of frozen processed pork ribs and cooked them in an air fryer, thinking they were pre-cooked and just needed reheating. I didn't realize that the meat wasn't fully cook...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The typical method for preparing crispy pork ribs involves "coating in batter and deep-frying at high temperatures, followed by rapid freezing at low temperatures to maintain freshness." Therefore, the red portion in the middle may not necessarily be undercooked;...

[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Frozen Pork Ribs? Parasite Risks Explained


Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Back Pain

Dizziness, fatigue from standing for long periods, back pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: In May and June of this year, I visited a clinic due to some pain in my upper left abdomen and was treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). At that time, my stomach con...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Gastroesophageal reflux rarely presents with symptoms such as spinal pain or dizziness and weakness. It is recommended that you seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic; if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wi...

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Discomfort Below the Rib Cage: Distinguishing Organ Pain from Muscle Pain

Discomfort in the area beneath the rib cage? Recently, I have been feeling discomfort in the area just below my ribs. Additionally, I have lost quite a bit of weight due to dizziness (which I have seen a doctor for, and it is initially thought to be related to sleep issues), and ...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Since it is not possible to conduct a physical examination online, it is recommended that you visit a medical facility for evaluation.

[Read More] Discomfort Below the Rib Cage: Distinguishing Organ Pain from Muscle Pain


Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help

Chest tightness and chest pain, accompanied by a sense of discomfort? I have seen two doctors due to feelings of chest tightness and chest pain. The first visit was to an ENT specialist, who suggested that it might be bronchitis, noting that bronchitis is common in winter. I also...


Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
A diagnosis cannot be made based solely on your symptoms; it is recommended that you visit a major hospital's rehabilitation department for examination and treatment. Your daily posture, exercise, and weight may all be related to these symptoms.

[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help


Which Specialist Should You See for Chest and Skin Pain?

Which department should I see? Initially, there was only pain in the skin upon touch, located on the left side of the back. Starting from the third day, there has been pain in the ribs both front and back when taking deep breaths. Today, on the fourth day, any friction with cloth...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chiao-Jun: There are many causes of back pain, including common conditions such as neuropathic pain, muscle pain, rib pain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, pneumothorax, pneumonia, lung tumors, and shingles, among others. It is advisable for you to first consult yo...

[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Chest and Skin Pain?


Persistent Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Pain upon palpation in the left lower chest that has persisted for four days without relief? Hello, doctor. I have noticeable tenderness in the area from the lower edge of my left chest to the ribs, but it is not severe enough to affect my daily life. I only feel pain when pressi...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, please consult your family physician for an in-person evaluation. Depending on the situation, a referral to another specialty may be necessary. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide diag...

[Read More] Persistent Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?


Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights

Sudden chest pain? Tonight, I suddenly experienced pain in the area from the center to the lower part of my ribs. The pain is not very intense; it feels like a diffuse discomfort that lasts about 10 seconds. The location is not superficial; it seems to be deeper, and it doesn...


Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Many people complain about similar issues, such as pain or sharp discomfort in the ribs or between the ribs, but chest X-rays often show no abnormalities. In my personal experience as a clinician, individuals who tend to sit for long periods and engage in little physical activity...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights


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