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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Sore Ribcage?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014
Question: Quit smoking 2 months ago. Experiencing shortness of breath and extremely sore rib cage
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

In order to help you better I need to know a few a more details

1. What is your age/ sex and how long have you been smoking?
2. How many cigarettes were you smoking in a day?
3. The shortness of breath is at rest as well or while doing work?
4. Is there a craving for cigarette? any anxiety?
5. What made you decide to stop smoking?
6. Do you have cough?
7. Sore rib cage is on both sides or single side? Where exactly is it?

Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 minutes later)
I am 44. male. smoked for 30 years. quit 2 months ago. had x-ray it's clear.
I smoked a pack and a half daily. Shortness of breath is at rest and in motion. no craving some anxiety.figured smoked long enough and had a baby. no cough. ribs hurt both sides and upper belly
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my response I was on call at my hospital

I happy that you have already got a chest x ray done, since it is normal it rules out many things.

Shortness of breath and on exertion with chest pain and anxiety points towards a cardiac issue. When the blood supply to the heart is slightly lower than the required amount patients complain of similar complaints. It is more often seen in chronic smokers. I strongly suggest that you get an EKG and a TMT done as soon as possible. Please meet a cardiologist for further evaluation.

For now I suggest the following things

1. Tab Tylenol is the ideal pain killer for the pain in the rib and upper belly
2. Avoid eating full stomachs to prevent excessive load on the heart
3. Avoid strenuous exercises until you meet the doctor
4. Avoid caffeine

Please get back to me for further queries, I am once again sorry for the short delay. I usually answer follow ups within 5-8 hours.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha

Nephrologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 4364 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Sore Ribcage?

Brief Answer: Need more info Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query In order to help you better I need to know a few a more details 1. What is your age/ sex and how long have you been smoking? 2. How many cigarettes were you smoking in a day? 3. The shortness of breath is at rest as well or while doing work? 4. Is there a craving for cigarette? any anxiety? 5. What made you decide to stop smoking? 6. Do you have cough? 7. Sore rib cage is on both sides or single side? Where exactly is it? Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply Regards