<s>[INST] I have a sharp pain in my upper rib cage just below my breast. It hurts to take a deep breath. Sitting down hurts worse than standing up. Sometimes the pain is so severe it makes it difficult to breathe and I can only take short breaths. It came on suddenly as I got out of the car at 3:30 this afternoon. It has subsided but comes back. [/INST] Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion it is muscular pain only. But since you are complaining of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, we need to rule out pleurisy first. Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura and can be due to1. Pneumonia2. Pleural effusion3. Pneumothorax etc get done chest x-ray first. If it is normal than no need to worry much.  It is muscular pain only. Try to follow these for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. 3. Take good painkiller and muscle relaxant. 4. Apply warm water pad on affected site. 5. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilization of affected area. </s>