Understanding Lung Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Lung pain can be alarming and often indicates that your respiratory system is not functioning properly. To determine when to see a doctor, you should know what could be causing it and the symptoms related to it.
Common Causes of Lung Pain
Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia: Sharp or stabbing chest pain, fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing are caused by inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs due to this infection.
Bronchitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes which may lead to chest discomfort, mucus production and a persistent cough.
Pleurisy
Pleural Inflammation: Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura which is a membrane enveloping lungs. It makes breathing painful as there is sharp pain on each inhalation or exhalation, sneezing or coughing.
Pulmonary Embolism
Blood Clots: A blockage of arteries in lungs by blood clot causes acute severe chest pain, shortness of breath and even bloody coughing referred to as pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary Hypertension
High Blood Pressure in the Lungs: Shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling in legs and ankles are some symptoms commonly accompanied with chest pain caused by this condition.
Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
Air Leaks into the Space Between the Lung and Chest Wall: Rapid onset of intense chest pain followed by severe shortness of breath can result from such occurrence.
Symptoms to Watch For
Sharp or stabbing pains in your breastbone or sharp duller ones that just won’t go away.
Chest pains which get worse when one takes deep breaths as well while coughing or sneezing.
Shortness of breath requiring gasping for every bit you take inside through your nose towards filling lungs up with air.
Harsh coughing may or may not have blood and there could be mucus.
Fever, chills and feeling really sick.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek medical attention urgently, if you feel pain in your chest that is severe or makes it hard for you to breathe. The lungs are delicate organs so timely diagnosis and treatment is key when any of the conditions affecting them occur.
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