I have rib cage pain whenever I take a deep breath. What could be wrong?

Question

Hello doctor,

Every time I am sitting down and taking a deep breath, the left side of my rib cage hurts. Even when I bend over to take a deep breath, it stills hurts and it only happens when I am sitting down, bending over or I am laying on the left side. What could this be? It also feels a little sore.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

According to your complaints, I think you might have a sore cartilage between the ribs also known as costochondritis unless and until ruled out.

If you recently did some heavy workout, lifted something heavy or had a hit on the left part, then the chances of having a sore rib are higher but, if you have anything like a sore throat, fever, swelling in the neck, runny nose, and other symptoms, I would recommend you consult your local clinic for further workup.

For costochondritis examination too, you will have to get to the clinic to get examined and start a small dose of medications to relieve the pain and rule out other causes.

Until the pain subsides, please do not do anything that would strain the area of your left side rib cage.

Take care. Have a nice day.