Hello,
Sharp
stabbing pain in chest may be due to the following conditions:
1) Pneumonia
2) Pneumothorax
3) Chest
muscle strain or pull
4)
Costochondritis or inflammation of cartilage that connects breast bone and ribs.
5) Pleurisy
6) Chest trauma
7) Anxiety attack
8) Pericarditis
Treatment depends upon the cause of pain. The following are recommended:
1) If the pain is due to muscle strain, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen are to be taken. If you have kidney disease, better avoid NSAIDs and use Opioids like
hydrocodone,
oxycodone and Tramadol.
2) They are to be taken twice daily for 3 days.
3) If the pain is due to pneumonia, pleurisy, antibiotics are given to eliminate the infection.
4) If due to costochondritis, steroids are the treatment
You may use pain relieving medication as mentioned above for 3 days and if the pain doesn't subside, you may need to consult a physician for further evaluation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist