As a physician, I would assess your symptoms like this:
A 23-year-old male with right upper abdominal pain (between chest and stomach area) for 1 month, which is only present during movement or activity and absent at rest, with no other symptoms, most commonly suggests a musculoskeletal cause rather than an internal organ problem.
Possible causes:
1. Muscle strain of the abdominal wall or intercostal muscles
* Can occur after exercise, heavy lifting, coughing, awkward posture, or physical activity.
* Pain increases with twisting, bending, stretching, or movement.
2. Costochondritis or rib-related pain
* Inflammation of the cartilage/joints between ribs and chest wall.
* Pain may be felt near the lower ribs and upper abdomen.
3. Abdominal wall nerve irritation
* Sometimes small nerves supplying the abdominal wall can cause localized pain that worsens with movement.
Less likely but important causes to consider:
* Gallbladder-related problems (gallstones, inflammation) usually cause pain after fatty meals, persistent pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or radiation to the right shoulder/back.
*
Liver-related problems usually have other associated symptoms or abnormal liver tests.
* Peptic ulcer/gastritis generally causes burning pain related to meals and is not typically movement-dependent.
What you can do initially:
* Avoid heavy lifting and activities that trigger pain for 1–2 weeks.
* Apply a warm compress to the painful area.
* Maintain good posture.
* A short course of a simple pain reliever (if you have no contraindications) may help, but avoid taking medicines regularly without medical advice.
Please consult a physician for examination if:
* Pain is increasing or becoming constant.
* You develop fever, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes), loss of appetite, weight loss, blood in stool, chest pain, or breathing difficulty.
* Pain persists beyond another 2–3 weeks despite rest.
A few questions would help narrow it down:
1. Is the pain just below the right ribs or more in the chest wall/ribs?
2. Does pressing that area with your fingers reproduce the pain?
3. Did it start after gym, lifting weight, sports, injury, or excessive coughing?
4. Does deep breathing or twisting increase the pain?