CHEST PAIN WHEN BREATHING

Overview

Chest pain when breathing, medically known as pleuritic chest pain, is discomfort or sharp sensation in the chest that worsens with breathing. It is often caused by inflammation of the pleura, the thin membranes that line the chest cavity and lungs. Common causes include respiratory infections, pneumonia, and rib injuries. While it can be alarming, not all chest pain during breathing is serious. However, if you experience severe or persistent chest pain, seek immediate medical attention to rule out potentially serious conditions such as a pulmonary embolism or heart-related issues.

Causes of Chest Pain When Breathing

The following might contribute to a feeling of chest pain while breathing.

Heart Attack. One of a heart attack’s primary symptoms is chest discomfort. The others are neck, back, or jaw discomfort, dizziness or weakness, breathing difficulties, and sore arms or shoulders. Moreover, abrupt fatigue, nausea, or vomiting are more common in women.

Myocarditis. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat are some symptoms of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Viral infections are often the cause of myocarditis.

Angina. Angina is described as a pressing or squeezing sensation in the chest. It happens when the heart isn’t receiving enough blood. Pain can also be experienced in the back, neck, arms, and jaw.

Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. A rip or separation of the inner layers of the aorta, the main artery leading from the heart, is known as an aortic dissection. It may cause blood to accumulate in the artery and significant chest pain.

Coronary Artery Dissection. When the wall of the coronary artery tears, coronary artery dissection happens. Blood may leak through the innermost layer and accumulate if it rips, creating a bulge. Heart attack risk is present. A sign of coronary artery dissection is sudden, severe pain that seems to “tear” across the back, neck, belly, or chest.

Pericarditis. The sac around the heart is inflamed when someone has pericarditis. It can result in an accumulation of fluid surrounding the heart; cardiac tamponade—a condition in which fluid pushes on the heart—and obstructive shock—a condition in which the heart is unable to fill with blood adequately—are some of the possible outcomes and severe chest discomfort below the breastbone.

Mitral Valve Prolapse. The inability of the mitral valve to shut completely is known as a prolapse. There may not be any noticeable signs of this illness in mild instances. The following symptoms might appear: exhaustion, pain in the chest, fast heartbeat, and tiredness.

Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension of the arteries supplying the lungs with blood is known as pulmonary hypertension. Chest discomfort might arise from this sometimes.

Pneumonia. Sharp or stabbing chest discomfort can be brought on by lung diseases like pneumonia, especially while coughing or inhaling heavily. The following are other signs of pneumonia:

chills, sweats, and fever

breathing too quickly or shallowly;

coughing up green, yellow, or bloody phlegm;

shortness of breath;

blue tint to lips

weariness, poor energy, and decreased appetite

vomiting and nausea

When to see a doctor?

If your chest discomfort is causing you any concern, consult a physician. A heart attack is indicated when a patient experiences moderate to severe chest discomfort in the middle of their chest that may spread down their left arm. Nonetheless, individuals may exhibit other symptoms that they would not often connect with cardiac disease, such as:

Discomfort in the neck

Jaw ache

Backache

Pain in the abdomen

Breathing difficulty

There are several reasons why a patient may experience chest discomfort, but if it has occurred, particularly during physical activity, they should consult a physician. Generally speaking, unless the reason is evident and curable, all chest pains should be assessed by a doctor.

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