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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Crunching Sound In The Sternum While Breathing?

I have a weird crunching sound when I push the area where my ribs come together. I think it's called the sternum or breastbone? It also hurts sometimes when taking deep breaths. Also, a few weeks I experienced some lower back pain and think that could be associated, but I'm not sure. I just recently took and finished an antibiotic regement for a UTI, so I am not sure if that makes any difference.
Mon, 24 Aug 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Sternum is attached with ribs by cartilagious joint.
It is not fixed and hard joint.
It is somewhat mobile joint. This mobility is important in rib cage movements during respiration.
On forceful movements, these cartilagious joints can make noise.
So you are mostly hearing this noise. No need to worry for this because this is normal.
Better to avoid such forceful pressure because it can damage these joints.
Since you recently had cold and pain on deep breathing, better to get done chest x ray to rule out lung pathology.
If chest x ray is normal than no need to worry for this noise.
Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Crunching Sound In The Sternum While Breathing?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Sternum is attached with ribs by cartilagious joint. It is not fixed and hard joint. It is somewhat mobile joint. This mobility is important in rib cage movements during respiration. On forceful movements, these cartilagious joints can make noise. So you are mostly hearing this noise. No need to worry for this because this is normal. Better to avoid such forceful pressure because it can damage these joints. Since you recently had cold and pain on deep breathing, better to get done chest x ray to rule out lung pathology. If chest x ray is normal than no need to worry for this noise. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.