# It's no McRib! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 9, 2017, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103 "2017-11-09T05:08:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/1 "2017-11-09T05:08:29Z")
I have a nagging pain on my left side, upper rib cage. I have thought it was a ‘stitch’ in my side. But I don’t recall ever having it go on for several days. It is mostly a dull ache if I move in a certain way, and occasionally a sharp prick or pinch. I have a slight BP issue, for which I take meds for. I had a minor upper respiratory virus last week, with some coughing. Any ideas, I know you are not my PCP , and will seek care if I feel I need it. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/2 "2017-11-09T19:03:32Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I have a nagging pain on my left side, upper rib cage. I have thought it was a ‘stitch’ in my side. But I don’t recall ever having it go on for several days. It is mostly a dull ache if I move in a certain way, and occasionally a sharp prick or pinch. I have a slight BP issue, for which I take meds for. I had a minor upper respiratory virus last week, with some coughing. Any ideas, I know you are not my PCP , and will seek care if I feel I need it. You need to. There are a lot of things that spring to my mind and only about 15% of them are fatal. Especially considering that you have a BP issue, even if slight, an MD should take a good poke and prod at you to be at all safe. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/3 "2017-11-09T21:22:43Z")
Thx. Got an appt.tomarrow morning! It is more or less constant now, with more pinching. So I am going in to be safe! ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/4 "2017-11-10T08:14:38Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Thx. Got an appt.tomarrow morning! It is more or less constant now, with more pinching. So I am going in to be safe! I am very glad for that! Maybe check back and let us know afterwards. There are a lot of dumb little things it could be but on the other hand it could be a sign of something serious with the cardio system or even the vessels. And with any ache/pain that doesn’t fade in a few days or gets worse as yours has, much better being safe. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/5 "2017-11-10T08:19:24Z")
Will let you know, thx for your concern! ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-no-mcrib/801103/6 "2017-11-10T15:30:53Z")
I have a similar problem. Apparently there is a fluid between your airsack and rib cage that helps keep thing lubricated when you breathe. If that fluid gets vacated, it can cause pain. For me, it hurts to inhale.