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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pins And Needles In Chest With Addiction Of Smoking?

Hi, I have a friend who has been smoking and drinking for the past 6-7 years. Now it feels like needles are poking his chest and when he bends over it feels like his "ribs are crushing"



Do you know why this is? Is there a disease or anything in particular that causes this. Is there a name for it?
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Cannot say in his particular case without a direct exam AND, irritation at the front of the chest where the ribs join the breastbone is quite common. The ribs join the breastbone at joints like any other bones. These can become inflamed. This is quite likely if they are pulled. Having strain on the lungs due to smoking/ asthma/ chronic lung disease / etc. will pull on the joints and irritate them. Anti-inflammatory steroids can be quite helpful for that.
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What Causes Pins And Needles In Chest With Addiction Of Smoking?

Cannot say in his particular case without a direct exam AND, irritation at the front of the chest where the ribs join the breastbone is quite common. The ribs join the breastbone at joints like any other bones. These can become inflamed. This is quite likely if they are pulled. Having strain on the lungs due to smoking/ asthma/ chronic lung disease / etc. will pull on the joints and irritate them. Anti-inflammatory steroids can be quite helpful for that.