What is this vague pain in the right side of the rib cage?

The first cause may be due to acute cholecystitis or liver disease, mostly manifested as a distinct stabbing pain or colic in the lower right rib cage area, which can be induced by deep pressure with the thumb and deep breathing. In this case, it is recommended to actively improve the ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen to clarify the diagnosis, mainly by medication; the second cause may be a local aseptic inflammatory reaction, such as inflammation of the costal cartilage or intercostal neuralgia. This condition is mainly characterized by tingling or radiating pain in the area of the lower border of the rib cage, which can be induced when pressed with the hand, and sometimes the pain can radiate along the rib cage to the back area. For this condition, symptomatic treatment is mainly with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, which can be combined with local hot compress treatment or acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.