Pain Under Left Rib Cage?

For the longest time I have had these random chest pains under my left rib cage. It happens randomly (at least i think it’s random), and it’s almost like a needle pain under somewhere in the upper ribs. When it happens, it will get worse if i breathe in or laugh, but if I stop laughing or breathe more shallow then it will go away after about 1 or 2 minutes. What could this be?

I also have pains like these. For me, its on both sides of my ribs and happens at random times too. I know exactly what you are talking about. I finally went to a doctor and they told me it was costal chondritis. They told me the only thing they can do it to put me on prescription pain medications. I didnt want to do this cuz its at random times. I just live with it. They told me to try taking 600mg of tylenol three times a day for 5 days to try to decrease inflammation. I don’t know your other medical background, so I wouldnt suggest doing this without talking to your doctor. In the end, I just deal with it because it doesnt happen to me everyday, probably more like once or twice a month. talk to your doctor. they can give you a better idea of what it is.

August 03 2009 04:31 am | pain under left ribs

2 Responses to “Pain Under Left Rib Cage?”

  1. Flight RN Paramedic Says:
    August 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am

    There are several possible answers. Costal chondritis (inflammation of the muscles and nerves between the ribs) to possible irritated nerve. Only a health practitioner can diagnose you and be able to treat appropriately.
    References :
    RN, Board Certified Emergency Nurse, Critical Care Paramedic

  2. Krista Says:
    August 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I also have pains like these. For me, its on both sides of my ribs and happens at random times too. I know exactly what you are talking about. I finally went to a doctor and they told me it was costal chondritis. They told me the only thing they can do it to put me on prescription pain medications. I didnt want to do this cuz its at random times. I just live with it. They told me to try taking 600mg of tylenol three times a day for 5 days to try to decrease inflammation. I don’t know your other medical background, so I wouldnt suggest doing this without talking to your doctor. In the end, I just deal with it because it doesnt happen to me everyday, probably more like once or twice a month. talk to your doctor. they can give you a better idea of what it is.
    References :

Leave a Reply