chronic lower left rib pain

[natcarpe10]

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.

[lindseybee]

It may have something to do with your diaphragm.  Try to identify if the pain is worse at ant particular phase of your respiration (for example, it may feel the worst when your lungs are fully inflated, or maybe when you have completely exhaled).  That would be good information to take to a doctor if you decide to do so.

On a side note, if your wisdom teeth truly do need to come out, that could be the cause of your jaw pain as well as the migraines.  Just something to think about.  Getting them removed isn't so bad, but waiting until they REALLY need to come out causes major pain and issues.

[natcarpe10]

its difficult to avoid cold, flu, and uri's though because i work in a long term care facility (nursing home) and many patients currently have pneumonia and uri's.

[natcarpe10]

thank you.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You should avoid all kinds of allergens and avoid cold, flu and upper respiratory infections completely.

Eat healthy and maintain a normal BMI of less than 25.

Rule out migraines and chronic sinusitis as you have frequent headaches. Take pain killers for your jaw pain and if you have any infection in your throat take appropriate sensitive antibiotics.

The rib pain can also be due to abdominal problems. Get some scans done and rule out chest and abdominal pathology. If you have acidity then take antacids after food and proton pump inhibitors on empty stomach.

Take care!