Duration and prognosis of breath-related pain | Pain when breathing under the ribs

Duration and prognosis of breath-related pain

The duration of the breath-related pain is strongly dependent on the cause. Muscular and bony complaints can usually heal completely after a few weeks, while organic diseases, on the other hand, require a long healing period and can also become chronic problems. Most causes of pain when breathing under the ribs are harmless and heal completely. Dangerous causes such as pulmonary embolism and heart attack can be acutely life-threatening and often have a life-shortening effect – even with good care.

Correct diagnosis of pain when breathing under the ribs

The most important step in finding the cause of the pain when breathing under the ribs is based on the patient interview (anamnesis). The doctor will ask the patient about the severity and duration of the pain. Only in this way can a targeted diagnosis of the pain follow.

Depending on the suspected cause, the heart, lungs, bones and muscles of the chest should then be examined in detail. If necessary, x-rays or ultrasound images are taken. In the case of a suspected pulmonary embolism or heart attack, laboratory parameters from a blood sample can also provide important information, and an ECG should also be taken.