Possible causes of chest pain when breathing deeply
Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity, can lead to symptoms such as severe chest pain, which often gets worse when breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Pleural effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, the area between the lungs and the chest wall, often associated with heart failure, pneumonia, liver disease, or cancer.
Pneumonia: A lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung that occurs when air leaks into the pleural space, creating pressure on the lung and causing it to collapse. This condition can result from trauma, lung disease, or occur spontaneously.
Empyema: A collection of pus in the pleural cavity, usually caused by infection.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like structure that surrounds the heart, can cause sharp chest pain that often gets worse when lying down or taking deep breaths, along with fever and fatigue.
The Difference Between Benign and Serious Chest Pain
“A simple way to differentiate between benign and serious chest pain is to check the duration of the pain. If the chest pain is persistent and increases with exertion or even occurs at night, then it is necessary to evaluate if there is any underlying cause,” says Dr Govind Desai, Interventional Pulmonologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli, India.
Benign chest pain feels like a squeezing or tight feeling in the chest, and may be caused by muscle strain, heartburn, or bronchitis.
Severe chest pain usually requires immediate medical attention and can be a sign of a heart attack. Symptoms include sudden, severe chest pain, pain that radiates to the jaw or left arm, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea…
How to relieve chest pain?
“Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can often provide effective pain relief, especially for mild discomfort due to muscle strain,” emphasizes Dr. Govind Desai.
In addition, simple stretching exercises can also help relax tense muscles, improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. However, if the pain persists, recurs or gets worse over time, you should go to the hospital for timely examination and treatment.
