Why do I sometimes get a sharp pain in my chest?

It sounds to me believe it or not like gas. Although, I'd like to know how long the pain lasts when you have it.

This is not something to guess about. I think Fluther has something in their Terms & Conditions about not being a source of medical information. IAC. GO SEE A DOCTOR. Sheesh.

You need to see a doctor. Don't fuck around with this.

Could be muscle spasm in which case massaging would help. But I agree w. all. We are speculating.. get to Doc's ASAP.

This used to happen to me, too. I was so disturbed that I avoided seeing a doctor precisely because I thought it might turn out to be a serious medical problem. Aren't I a GENIUS? But it scared me into strengthening my heart - I started jogging. The pain only returns if I laze around for months and eat poorly. (This is not advice to you, by the way)

definitely agree on the doctor thing. that said, i'll shamelessly offer my 2 cents on one of the things it could be: your ribs have joints in them and somtimes, depending on position, etc, they can get in a snit and pinch a nerve or whatever, when you breath a little it really hurts and when you breathe deeply it nudges the joint/nerve and it feels better.

Had a heart attack at 32; don't guess at it, go to the doctor.

I have intermittent sharp pains on left and right. Doctor supposed it was nerve pain and recommended a few days of ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. Sort of worked. But I generally just deal with it when it comes up.