really sharp pain in ribs

[Jennalou89]

hi im jenna im 19 years old i suffer with irritable bowel syndrome and have done since i was a child. I've been experiencing reallly bad pains in my ribs, normally its only on 1 side like today it was on the right but it lasted for about 20mins and got worse when i moved and when i tried to breathe. I'm am overweight and i spoken to my doctor about this pain but he keeps telling me its my ibs. But i dont think it is. can anyone help me?

[Jennalou89]

thank you for your help i will let you know how i get on. thank you soo much you have put my mind at rest.

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

From the description of the pain, it seems you’re suffering from costochondritis, which is basically an inflammation of the junction of the ribs and cartilage which attaches it to the central chest bone(sternum). I’ll suggest you to use some painkillers (like diclofenac) and may be a local analgesic ointment and everything will be fine. Warm compresses will also help.

Please be assured. It’s nothing serious and will be okay in a few days.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.