What are the symptoms of a rib contusion?

The main symptom of a side stitch is pain in the chest or rib area, which is often caused by spasms in the respiratory muscles due to intense physical activity or improper posture. During exercise, especially activities requiring forceful breathing such as running or weightlifting, patients may suddenly experience sharp pain in the chest or rib region, possibly accompanied by difficulty breathing. This pain typically occurs on the lower right side of the ribs, although it can also appear elsewhere. In addition to pain, patients may feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even rapid breathing. Attempting deep breaths or coughing often worsens the pain during an episode. Therefore, once symptoms of a side stitch occur, patients should stop exercising immediately and perform deep breathing exercises to relax the muscles and relieve symptoms.