Elderly people have flickering pain in the second, third and fourth ribs of the chest near the sternum body, which may be caused by chest trauma, malignant tumors in the lungs, costochondritis, etc., and they need to consult a doctor in time to improve the relevant examinations under the guidance of the doctor and make a clear diagnosis. 1. Chest trauma: elderly people with limited mobility may have a history of chest rib trauma, such as hitting the corner of the table, etc., the ribs may be contused, and in severe cases, there may even be rib fractures, bone cracks, etc., which will lead to localized pain, and you need to go to the hospital in time for relevant imaging tests. 2. Malignant tumors of lungs: malignant tumors of lungs may invade the pleura or ribs, resulting in pain, which requires timely medical treatment, complete the relevant examinations, surgery or radiotherapy. 3. Costochondritis: aseptic inflammation of the rib cartilage, the inflammation stimulates the local rib area, resulting in local swelling and pain. Elderly people with flickering pain in the second, third and fourth ribs near the sternum need to consult a doctor in time to avoid delaying the treatment time, actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment, don’t judge on your own, need to be actively treated under the guidance of the doctor.