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Hello, I Woke Up This Morning With A Sharp Pain
Question: Hello, I woke up this morning with a sharp pain in my chest everytime I move too much or breath deeply. This has happened in the past for a few minutes but this one has lasted all day. I have no other symptoms. Is this serious?
Brief Answer:
Sounds like musculoskeletal pain
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. Given your age and the description of the pain, it sounds most likely to be musculoskeletal pain, such as muscle strain between the ribs. If you are able to point to exactly where the pain is, that would support this diagnosis.
There are other possibilities that include lung, heart, and stomach issues. Again, with your age and the description of the pain, heart and stomach causes would be less likely, and as long as you are not having a cough or shortness of breath, lung issues would be less likely as well.
As long as you are not having any other symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg pain or swelling), I would suggest trying to take an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen, and if it is a musculoskeletal issue, it should improve over the next few days. If it doesn't, or if it worsens, I would see a doctor to possibly get an EKG and chest x-ray to make sure it is not something else.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Sounds like musculoskeletal pain
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. Given your age and the description of the pain, it sounds most likely to be musculoskeletal pain, such as muscle strain between the ribs. If you are able to point to exactly where the pain is, that would support this diagnosis.
There are other possibilities that include lung, heart, and stomach issues. Again, with your age and the description of the pain, heart and stomach causes would be less likely, and as long as you are not having a cough or shortness of breath, lung issues would be less likely as well.
As long as you are not having any other symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg pain or swelling), I would suggest trying to take an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen, and if it is a musculoskeletal issue, it should improve over the next few days. If it doesn't, or if it worsens, I would see a doctor to possibly get an EKG and chest x-ray to make sure it is not something else.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
From what I’ve researched, it does seem possible that, that is the cause. Thank you so much for all your help!
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I think that is the most likely cause.
You're very welcome, please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future. Thank you for your question and take care.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I think that is the most likely cause.
You're very welcome, please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future. Thank you for your question and take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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