<s>[INST] I ve been having a very sharp pain below the middle of my chest right where the chest meets the rib cage, but only when I sneeze. It s very painful. I m 42 years old male. I quited smoking 7 months ago..What can be causing this pain.??? I had a mild cold for the past week or so.... [/INST] Hi, I am sorry for the situation you are in. The sharp pain you feel below the middle of your chest when you sneeze is indicative for muscular-skeletal problems. As you are reporting to have experienced mild cold for the past week, you might have developed mild pleuritis that is giving pain when sneezing. I advise to:- drink plenty of fluids (e.g. tea)- take anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)- take local anti-inflammatory cream If no improvement in a few days or if it will worsen, please contact with your physician for further evaluations. All the best! </s>