I am 45 and smoker, I have had a sharp shooting pain that is going into my left rib cage, in the middle of the rib, it wakes me up at night, and is random on when it happens. I am not sure that I should see a doctor. I has been going on for about 3 days now.
It sounds muscular in origin. You can try NSAIDs, such as Advil or Allele initially, in addition to topical ice or heat. If these don't help then you should see your doctor.