chronic lower left rib pain

I am 19yrs old, female, healthy weight. I have had chronic rib pain for MANY years. As far back as a can remember i would get this "aching" feeling in my lower left rib (near the very bottom), always in the same exact spot. In the past it would come and go and wouldnt come back for a long time. However, in the last year or so, it has started aching way more frequently. (sometimes daily as opposed to maybe every few months or so in the past). I can feel a slight indentation where the pain is coming from. I have been diagnosed with exercise induced asthma but didnt use to have that much of a problem unless i was running. Now, I almost loose my breath walking up one flight of stairs. I have to stop and catch my breath because I become so winded. When the pain does come it's hard to get adequate oxygen meaning I feel like I have to take long deep breaths just to feel like im not loosing my breath. And when it hurts it almost feels heavy or like someone is holding my rib down and thats why my lungs cant expand. It also seems to be worse when lying down flat on my back. I have had an x-ray for this which came back normal. But that was a couple years ago. I can tell something is definately wrong but cant seem to figure out what. Any idea what could be causing this? Also, this may be unrelated but I have been getting migraines more frequently as well. (and my jaw is very sore but im sure thats because i havent been able to get my wisdom teeth removed). Any way, can someone, anyone help!!! Please. Oh, and also, it almost seemed to get worse when I quit smoking.

[jpek]

Hello,

I also had chronic pain in my lower left rib.  Physical exersion, particularly stairs or lifting made it worse.  Eventually I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia.  The stomach was pushing up at the bottom of the rib cage.  It was also impacting the vagus nerve, which made me feel "shocky" and out of breath.  Doctors were very sceptical to give me this diagnosis, but a 3 minute scope diagnosed the problem.  If you google Hiatal hernia, you may get a better idea if it fits your symptoms.  PS  I did not have the "burning gerd" that doctors insist you must have.  Again, a 3 minute procedure may provide alot of answers.  Good luck.

[natcarpe10]

thank you that is very helpful