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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of Sharp Pain In Upper Rib Cage?

I have a sharp pain in my upper rib cage just below my breast. It hurts to take a deep breath. Sitting down hurts worse than standing up. Sometimes the pain is so severe it makes it difficult to breathe and I can only take short breaths. It came on suddenly as I got out of the car at 3:30 this afternoon. It has subsided but comes back.
Wed, 3 Dec 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
In my opinion it is muscular pain only.
But since you are complaining of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, we need to rule out pleurisy first. Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura and can be due to
1. Pneumonia
2. Pleural effusion
3. Pneumothorax etc
So get done chest x ray first. If it is normal than no need to worry much. It is muscular pain only. Try to follow these for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise.
2. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
3. Take good painkiller and muscle relaxant.
4. Apply warm water pad on affected site.
5. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilisation of affected area.
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What Is The Cause Of Sharp Pain In Upper Rib Cage?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion it is muscular pain only. But since you are complaining of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, we need to rule out pleurisy first. Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura and can be due to 1. Pneumonia 2. Pleural effusion 3. Pneumothorax etc So get done chest x ray first. If it is normal than no need to worry much. It is muscular pain only. Try to follow these for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. 3. Take good painkiller and muscle relaxant. 4. Apply warm water pad on affected site. 5. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilisation of affected area.