What Causes Sharp Pain In The Upper Rib Cage Area?

Posted on Sun, 2 Apr 2017

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

Sun, 2 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last 2 weeks i have been having a sharp pain in my upper right rib cage and hurts something when i breathe. It comes and goes and hurts more when I'm sitting and less when I'm laying down.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely.
So do following things.
1. Avoid movements causing pain.
2. Sit with proper back support.
3. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
4. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
You will mostly improve with all these.
If not improving in 5 days with above things, get done chest x ray to rule out internal cause.
Please let me know if you are having cough or breathlessness.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D