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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Breathlessness And Sharp Pain In Rib Cage Area?

So I will be breathing fine and all of the sudden I have to gasp for air to fill my lungs, as if I had just held my breath to long or something. It is starting to scare me. But on top of that when I was 8 I was on the trampolien and my cousin kicked me right in the rib cage, and for the past 4 years suddenly and ever so frequently I will get a sharp pain in that area that makes it hurt to breath and I have to stand still or else it will last longer and the pain will get worse, if I stand still then I goes away in a matter of seconds. Is there anyway you can help me?
Sat, 21 Sep 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history of being kicked in rib cage while playing on trampoline and now have developed sudden pain in the rib cage area that make you short of breath and you have to bestill to wean off the pain.
This is most probably indicative of one of the following:
Rib fracture that has not healed.
Costochondritis.
This can be diagnosed by a clinical examination that will show local tenderness, crackle for rib fracture.
X-ray chest to see for rib fractures and condition of lungs with secondary changes if any to be confirmed by a CT scan of chest if needed.
The treatment will be obviously as per the cause found which may be in the form of anti-inflammatory, local or oral steroids.
In some cases you may need strapping support to avoid pain in the affected area.
Consult your Doctor to discuss these points, get the investigations and proper management as per the cause found.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Sudden Breathlessness And Sharp Pain In Rib Cage Area?

Hi, Noted your history of being kicked in rib cage while playing on trampoline and now have developed sudden pain in the rib cage area that make you short of breath and you have to bestill to wean off the pain. This is most probably indicative of one of the following: Rib fracture that has not healed. Costochondritis. This can be diagnosed by a clinical examination that will show local tenderness, crackle for rib fracture. X-ray chest to see for rib fractures and condition of lungs with secondary changes if any to be confirmed by a CT scan of chest if needed. The treatment will be obviously as per the cause found which may be in the form of anti-inflammatory, local or oral steroids. In some cases you may need strapping support to avoid pain in the affected area. Consult your Doctor to discuss these points, get the investigations and proper management as per the cause found. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon