Pain in ribs/chest

[pingping]

I am experiencing a sharp pain in my left ribs (just under my breast) today. I am a 29yr old female with otherwise good health. I have had this pain before usually lasts a few hours and then disappears (often for months). It is very sharp and intensifies if I lean forward or to my left side, so much so that it brings tears to my eyes.

Does anyone know what causes this pain? It is not indigestion or anything like that, and my bra is well fitting and so not unduly tight.

[daffy654]

You really should see your GP about any chest pains. It could be a huge number of things and only a doctor can diagnose what it is. Good luck.

[pingping]

thanks daffy - have been to the doctors a couple of times over the years, but they never seem to know what it is either! i was told that it might be stress related by one, but that doesn't seem to correlate to when I actually feel stressed! oh well, perhaps I should try again.

[SizzleSquid]

i get this- the pain is exruciating especially when trying to breathe. Trapped wind perhaps? im baffled

[Naomicorlett]

it sounds like inter-costal cramps ie cramp of the muscle between the ribs . It makes me shout out with pain but I must say the pain doesn't last for hour mine is just fleeting

[pingping]

hi niaomi - thanks for the suggestion. I have just looked up intercostal cramps, but not sure this is it as it mentions that this affects breathing. My breathing doesn't seem to be afftected by the pain. It lasted until late afternoon yesterday, but I could still feel the ache late last night. wish I knew what it was!

sizzle - definitely not trapped wind as the pain is much higher. nice thought though...!!!

[spudqueen]

I used to have something similar years ago (when I was 18/19). It felt like I was being stabbed in the heart and could not move when it came on. My doctor diagnosed neuralgia. It is more common in the face, but can (apparently) occur in other places. I'm not saying that this is what you've got, but it is worth mention to your doctor next time you visit them.
btw I seem to have almost outgrown it, I only have flare ups of it every couple of years now.

[pingping]

thanks spud. went to the gp this morning and mentioned this. doc said it could be but also sounded like costochondritis (inflammation of ribs and breastbone). symptoms seemed to fit this. treatment is just anti-inflammatories. feel a lot better that I finally have a name for the pain!
thanks for everyone's help!

[garlandk9]

hi pingpong
are you sure its not just wind