Why do you get a stitch in your side?

You know the feeling: you’re running, cycling, or doing some other physical activity, and suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your side, just below your chest. It’s like someone is stabbing you with a needle, and it makes you want to stop and catch your breath. Although there is no precise definition of exactly what a stitch is, everyone knows how to recognise it.

This pain, which often prevents you from breathing, walking or running properly, disappears a few minutes after you stop exerting yourself. And while it can be a little frightening, it is completely benign and causes no complications. 

But where does the stitch come from? What can you do to avoid it? What if the stitch is already there? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

In partnership with upday UK.

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