22 year old male. 6 3 . 185 lbs. Sharp pain in the left side of my rib cage under the chest muscle. Has happened periodically over the past 6 to 8 years. Lasts for about 5 seconds. I take 2 to 3 deep breathes and it goes away. Had a doctor check my heart beat for any abnormality but none were found.
Hi, Thanks for your query.* Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom.However, if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and some radiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs' disease like asthma or bronchitis. If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing. If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason. In both cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclofenac should help. I do hope that you have found something helpful, and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care