To avoid side stitches, try staying hydrated

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.
Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

ASK THE DOCTORS

Dear Doctors: Every once in a while when I’m running, I get a sudden jabbing pain in my side, right under my rib cage, that makes it hard to get a deep breath.

Our gym teacher used to call it a “stitch.” It feels like your lungs can’t expand. Is that what is happening? How do you get rid of one?

Dear Reader: Your description of the physical phenomenon known as a stitch – sometimes als…