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What Causes Pain Under Ribs And Painful Breathing?
Posted on
Thu, 9 Oct 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 9 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Hidden lung problem?
For months I have noticed an uncomfortable ache when I lie down, almost like a burning sensation under my bra on my right, which now wakes me up in the night, as if my bra was too light. But since I dont wear it at night, I worked out, by breathing very deeply to test, that it is in fact a lung thing, and by taking a very deep breath promotes this ache. Oddly, lying on my side I can take a deep breath without this ache. I am 56, play tons of tennis and never smoked. My breathing is normal and I only notice this in the evenings and night when lying down. During the day, I have no ache under my right chest and completely forget about it. Breathing nornaly is fine and doesnt hurt at all either standing or lying, unless I do the very very deep breath test on myself. No wheezing or shortness of breath. But the aching/burning under the breast is there whenever lying on my back. Any ideas? I should mention I take Atorvastatin and an asprin every night.
For months I have noticed an uncomfortable ache when I lie down, almost like a burning sensation under my bra on my right, which now wakes me up in the night, as if my bra was too light. But since I dont wear it at night, I worked out, by breathing very deeply to test, that it is in fact a lung thing, and by taking a very deep breath promotes this ache. Oddly, lying on my side I can take a deep breath without this ache. I am 56, play tons of tennis and never smoked. My breathing is normal and I only notice this in the evenings and night when lying down. During the day, I have no ache under my right chest and completely forget about it. Breathing nornaly is fine and doesnt hurt at all either standing or lying, unless I do the very very deep breath test on myself. No wheezing or shortness of breath. But the aching/burning under the breast is there whenever lying on my back. Any ideas? I should mention I take Atorvastatin and an asprin every night.
Brief Answer:
It does not appear to be due to lungs
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX,
From your description, the pain described by you does not appear to be related to the lungs and associated tissues since you do not have any other corresponding symtoms.
It could be a musuloskelatal pain. You could have stretched or pulled a muscle since you play a vigorous game like tennis.
However to clear any doubts, I suggest you get a chest x ray done. You may avoid the game for some time, take rest, a pain killer and apply some local analgesic ointment.
If it still persists, consult your PCP.
It does not appear to be due to lungs
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX,
From your description, the pain described by you does not appear to be related to the lungs and associated tissues since you do not have any other corresponding symtoms.
It could be a musuloskelatal pain. You could have stretched or pulled a muscle since you play a vigorous game like tennis.
However to clear any doubts, I suggest you get a chest x ray done. You may avoid the game for some time, take rest, a pain killer and apply some local analgesic ointment.
If it still persists, consult your PCP.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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