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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Rib Cage Pops And Clicks When I Breath, Been Stressed, Painful. Is It Connected To Smoking?

hello either when im laying down sitting sometimes standing up and I take a deep breath my left side under my rib cage makes a pop or clicking sound?started today maybe lastnight I had a family crisis lastnight can stress have anything to do with it also I really haven t ate the past 2 days maybe one meal related also I heard it could be guess it doesn t really hurt but more of a weird feeling but when I sit it feels uncomfortable also I do smoke cigarettes maybe 5 a day at most
Tue, 22 Jan 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello there ~ The popping sound that you hear is possibly the same mechanism as when you pop your knuckles. Yes, there are joints in your rib cage too. If you feel like stress may be adding to it, I suggest that you try relaxation and deep breathing exercises, as an alternative to cigarettes. It may also be helpful to get a chest X-ray just to clear any doubts about any rib-cage problems. If you are still not satisfied, please consult a doctor. Take care and have a stress-free day.
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Rib Cage Pops And Clicks When I Breath, Been Stressed, Painful. Is It Connected To Smoking?

Hello there ~ The popping sound that you hear is possibly the same mechanism as when you pop your knuckles. Yes, there are joints in your rib cage too. If you feel like stress may be adding to it, I suggest that you try relaxation and deep breathing exercises, as an alternative to cigarettes. It may also be helpful to get a chest X-ray just to clear any doubts about any rib-cage problems. If you are still not satisfied, please consult a doctor. Take care and have a stress-free day.