<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Hi ! ,, l am having problems with my upper left abdomin stomach muscles or cramps u can call it,, every time l cough l get this wicked sharp pain ,,in which also gives me breathing problems,, seems to be getting worst,,l am a 57 yr old ,type 2 diabetic .  <response>: HI. The sharp pain in the upper abdomen as described by you can be due to muscle sprain. But it is important to rule out the fracture of ribs in the underlying the area of pain as you are having breathing problem. An X-ray for the ribs with knowledge by the technician is required. As also an X-ray of the chest to rule out any pleurisy problem. Both are common, and can be easily produced as you have a diabetes too. I would advise such a patient to consult a Chest Physician for clinical examination and further management. 