Squeaky Breathing Concern
I’m a 22-year-old woman with no known physical conditions, although I am diagnosed with anxiety and take 20 mg of Prozac for that. I also use melatonin at night to help me sleep and have occasionally smoked marijuana—about five times in the past six months, and not at all in the last month since this issue emerged. For the past month, I’ve been experiencing a peculiar creaking noise when I take a deep breath, originating from the lower part of my rib cage on the right side, near the center of my chest. It seems to coincide with my breathing, as I can also hear it in my throat when I recline. While it feels like the source is lower in my chest rather than my throat, it’s not painful, though I get a sensation of air that might not be where it should be. It’s challenging to describe, but I do feel something accompanying the squeaky noise. This sound isn’t constant; I mainly notice it in the evenings and primarily when I take a deep breath. Interestingly, taking a hot shower seems to alleviate it, and it becomes more pronounced when I lie on that side but improves when I switch to the other side. I visited urgent care about a week after it started, where a chest X-ray was performed, and the results were normal, which hasn’t eased my anxiety about the situation. Additionally, I have some mild discomfort in my ribs on that side; however, it may be related to stress or poor posture. There was a moment last night when the discomfort surfaced briefly, and the squeaking noise stopped for a few minutes before resuming. Other than this, I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms—no cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing. The discomfort I felt was minor and fleeting, and I haven’t noticed it since. However, I do feel like I may be hearing the noise more frequently, which could also be a result of my anxiety—if it is more frequent, it’s not by much. My next doctor’s appointment isn’t for another three weeks, and I would appreciate some reassurance that this isn’t indicative of a serious issue. I’m not very active on Reddit, so I’m unsure about the protocol, but I could share a video of the noise to aid in understanding if that would be beneficial. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 12:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new symptom like a squeaky or creaking noise during breathing. Based on your description, the sound and accompanying sensations you experience likely relate to normal physiological variations, potential muscle tension, or even anxiety rather than a serious underlying health issue.
Explanation
The creaking noise you hear when taking a deep breath can often be attributed to several benign causes. Here are a few possibilities:
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Costal Cartilage Movement: Your ribs are connected to your sternum by cartilage, and sometimes this can move slightly or pop, producing a noise, especially if you take a deep breath.
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Muscle Tension: Since you mentioned mild discomfort and the possibility of stress or posture-related issues, muscle tension around your rib cage can create unusual sounds and sensations.
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Anxiety Effects: Anxiety can heighten your awareness of normal body sounds. If you're feeling more anxious about this symptom, it might contribute to noticing it more frequently.
The fact that you’ve had a normal chest X-ray and no severe symptoms like shortness of breath or pain is reassuring.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the squeaking occurs, how long it lasts, and any accompanying sensations. Noticing specifics can be helpful for your next visit with your doctor.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since you have anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. This may help reduce overall muscle tension and anxiety.
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Posture Check: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day, especially when sitting or lying down. Ensuring your spine is aligned may alleviate some discomfort.
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Hot Showers or Compresses: Continue using warmth (like hot showers) to relax tense muscles if that helps alleviate the noise and discomfort.
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Limit Stimulants: Be mindful of your intake of stimulants (like caffeine) and stay hydrated, as they can impact anxiety levels and muscle tension.
As you wait for your next appointment, it’s essential to find ways to ease your anxiety about this issue. If the noise increases or you develop any new symptoms, such as chest pain or significant discomfort, make a note of those changes. If possible, sharing a video with your healthcare provider could be helpful for assessment, but for now, take comfort in knowing that many similar cases resolve without serious concerns. Please let me know if you have further questions or specific areas you would like more information about.
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