Why does ribs hurt when breathing

There are a number of potential underlying causes of rib cage pain. Other, more serious, causes of rib cage pain, such as lung cancer, are better caught early in order minimise the harm they cause. For the most part, broken, fractured or bruised ribs cannot be treated and will heal over time. Whilst they heal, it is advised to take pain relief and rest from strenuous activity.

You can reduce swelling caused by rib breaks or fractures by applying an ice pack to the area until the swelling subsides. If your rib pain is caused by an underlying illness, your doctor will explore treatment options specific to your diagnosis. If your doctor suspects you have a serious condition, you may be sent for additional tests.

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Once your consultation is complete, our team will search for the closest pharmacy to you which has your medication available. We'll then send you a text when your prescription is ready to collect.

To collect your medication, simply hear to the nominated pharmacy to collect and pay for your prescription. You will need to take a valid form of ID to show the pharmacist when you arrive. This process is almost always done within the same day of your consultation. These can be sent directly by email or first-class post. Keyboard navigation. Readable Font.

Choose color black white green blue red orange yellow navi. Underline links. Clear cookies. Images Greyscale. Invert Colors. Remove Animations. A traumatic injury to the chest may result from a sports-related incident, a surgical procedure, or an accident, such as a fall from a height.

Approximately two-thirds of people who experience physical trauma have chest trauma, with the severity ranging from a rib fracture to injury of the heart. Chest trauma can lead to sharp pain when breathing in. Other symptoms of chest trauma may include:. Doctors will determine the best treatment for chest trauma based on the cause and severity. For instance, if a person is gasping for air, cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR will likely be the first approach.

People with chest trauma should seek immediate medical attention. Learn more about broken ribs here. Severe stress and anxiety may cause anxiety attacks, a possible symptom of which is sharp pain when breathing in.

An anxiety attack can produce a stabbing, needle-like sensation in the middle of the chest. The dread of an upcoming event or a fear that something could happen typically triggers the condition.

People may experience the following symptoms during an anxiety attack:. Anyone considering seeking professional help should ensure that they select a well-trained and qualified professional. Learn more about anxiety attacks here. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart. The cause of pericarditis remains unclear, but viral infections are a common cause. Other factors may also cause pericarditis, including:. People with pericarditis experience sharp pain when breathing in or a dull ache that may feel better when sitting upright or leaning forward.

The pain may also radiate to the left shoulder and neck. Other symptoms of pericarditis can include:. The best treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, it usually gets better on its own. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe OTC pain relievers and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Learn more about pericarditis here.

Sharp pain when breathing in can sometimes be a sign of a life threatening condition, such as a heart attack. A person should speak with a doctor about any unexplained sharp pain when breathing in, particularly if it occurs alongside the following symptoms:.

Experiencing sharp pain when breathing in can be worrying. Although the condition may not be a cause for alarm — at least in most cases — it can sometimes be a sign of a severe illness. The condition may arise due to various causes, including chest trauma and other medical conditions, such as pneumonia.

Anyone experiencing sharp pain when breathing in should speak with a doctor, who will likely want to carry out an evaluation to diagnose the cause.