Requesting thoughts on possible source of lower right rib tenderness?

hello -

might it be possible that what appears to be a strained rib muscle (tenderness when pressing on a rib, in this case, the lowest right rib area) might actually be the large intestine underneath causing the pain, aggravated by the rib being pressed against it?

this pain is everpresent for a month, following a bout of influenza, and to this point assumed to be the result of lots of coughing damaging a rib muscle. but lately i'm having doubts, as there is no improvement and the tender area occasionally radiates into my abdomen & through to my lower back.

i have had a negative abdominal ultrasound to rule out gall bladder issues. it was a bit contracted, but chalked up to the fact that i had eaten just 4 hours before.

NSAID's have had no effect on this pain, which furthers my suspicion of a GI condition and not a musculoskeletal one. the most tender area is right where the large intestine bends, directly under the lowest right side ribs.

any thoughts appreciated...

thanks for the response.

i am male (despite my avatar)...

no fever, sweats, & bowel movements normal. no trauma to the area, just much violent coughing during the flu(blood tested + for influenza A, B). no obvious cause, just appeared one morning and has never ceased. 2 x-rays, labs, doppler all normal. i'd like to avoid gettting scanned, because iodine does not agree with me. i understand rib injury takes many weeks to heal, but this pain is mutating and covers a large area - i cannot truly pinpoint it all the time. i think, but am not certain, that there's a connection with the pain and eating. i've had a bit more nausea than normal, yes, but no vomiting.

thanks in advance for additional thoughts.

You mentioned that you had a " bout " of the flu. But, since the NSAIDS aren't helping you with your discomfort, then it may not be muscular in nature. Any recent injury or fall ?? This could be what is known as rebound tenderness ?? For example; injury to the spleen ( located below the left, front rib cage). Any recent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting ?? Are you constipated ?? Any chance of pregnancy ?? Any symptoms of a UTI ( urinary tract infection) ?? Any fever.chills, or sweats ?? Maybe your Gallbladder should be further tested. I apologize for the questions but, I ask so that you can think it you have such symptoms or possible causes. The best advice would be to contact you Doc and explain that your condition hasn't improved. I hope that this helped some and, I hope that you feel better soon.