Chest Pain When Breathing

During the past few months, I've been experiencing sharp chest pain every 1-2 days in 30-second intervals. It's always on the left side of my chest, toward the bottom of the rib cage, and while breathing deeply does intensify the pain, a deep enough breath can make the pain stop. I'm 15 years old, so I doubt it's any serious sort of heart problem, and I also am not an extremely athletic individual, so I also doubt it's muscle strain. I have noticed that the pain started occurring more frequently when I began wearing an underwire (as opposed to sports) bra a few months ago. What do you think the problem is, and how can I treat it?
Thanks.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.  

Usually, chest pain in a 15 year old is not cardiac related.  Also, chest pain that lasts for months and that you can make stop, is generally not cardiac related.  Typically, non- cardiac chest pain is muscular in nature.  It could be that wearing the underwire bra is pushing against the muscles of your rib cage and causing this sensation.   You could try not wearing the underwire bra and see if the pain stops occurring.  Also, stretching that side can help and may prevent the pain if it is muscular.  Finally, if the pain persists, you should see your doctor about it and have a check- up just to be sure.  Good luck.

Bridget