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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In Rib Cage Muscles While Breathing?

Hi so as a kid I had hot tea spill over my chest leaving a scar and whenever I would get cold on my chest I would have trouble breathing as if my rib cage tightened up. Only after warming myself up wud the pain and the tightenness subside. Now a days I m 21 years old and lately I feel like it s my intercostal rib cage muscles that are contracting. When I try to crunch my rib cage or expirate forcefully the pain wud increase. Should I be concerned? It s been like this my whole life but now it s bugging me and doesn t stop even if I warm myself.
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist first. And get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out infection and bronchitis.
And chest wall scarring does not give rise to breathing problem.
If all the above are normal than it must be anxiety related only.
So better to avoid stress and anxiety. Be relax and calm.
Consult pulmonologist and discuss these.
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What Causes Pain In Rib Cage Muscles While Breathing?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist first. And get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out infection and bronchitis. And chest wall scarring does not give rise to breathing problem. If all the above are normal than it must be anxiety related only. So better to avoid stress and anxiety. Be relax and calm. Consult pulmonologist and discuss these.