Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain In The Lower Sternum

Posted on Fri, 18 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Answered on

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a pain, gradual onset just to the lower of my sternum (L) to my lower rib edge, but suddendly worse with a sneezing fit. It isn't intensly painful, but uncomfortable and getting worse, especially if I, you know. poke at it or try to do things, like remodel my bathroom- stripping wallpaper and the like. I first started feeling the pain during bm several weeks ago.Just wondering how long it ususally takes and if this is conifdential

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be inflammation of the inner part of the ribs or muscle attachments

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Whatever information you share with me us always confidential.

The problem that you are facing could be inflammation of the inner part of the ribs or the attachment of the abdominal muscles to the ribs.

Apply warm packs to the affected region. Avoid strenuous activity like bending, lifting weights, running, climbing stairs.

Takes Tablet Ibuprofen 400mg twice a day for 5 days and Tablet Rabeprazole twice a day before meals for 5 days.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 minutes later)

Ok, so I don't have to worry about this being some kind of hernia type thing?
What is Rabeprazole?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antacid

Detailed Answer:
Not to worry. Rabeprazole is an antacid medication to prevent acidity that can arise with Ibuprofen consumption.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (47 hours later)

So it appears that I have a swollen lymph node slighly to the right of my left rib cage that is painful to touch and increasingly more sensitive.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly Lipoma fatty swelling

Detailed Answer:
Lymph node is uncommon in that region. It could be a Lipoma or fatty swelling.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar