How to Diagnose Rib Pain

Sudden, severe pain in the chest area can be a sign of a heart or lung problem and should be diagnosed and treated promptly. Any information about the pain that you can share with your doctor will help speed your treatment and recovery.

Instructions

1. Identify when the pain started. Note if there was an accident or activity that caused the initial onset or whether you've had a recent illness. A lung infection or other disease can cause pleurisy, a painful irritation to the lining of the lungs. A virus or trauma may cause costochondritis, a loose lower rib.

2. Note which activities aggravate the pain. Pain that occurs when you bend or twist could be caused by a pulled muscle, broken rib or costochondritis. Pleurisy or other lung issues can cause pain when you take a deep breath. General pain can be caused by any of the preceding conditions and other ailments, such as acid reflux disease.

3. Jot down any other symptoms you might have, including fever, cough, indigestion or pain in other areas.

4. Record the details of any events that preceded the pain. List what you ate or drank before the pain occurred and make note of activities that may be connected, like sudden or unusual movements, heavy lifting and other physical exertion.

5. Review things you've tried that reduced the pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compresses and chiropractic manipulation can ease muscular pain and the pain of costochondritis. Acid reducers like Tums can diminish acid reflux pain.