What Is Lung Pain?

Lung pain is any kind of pain or discomfort in the rib cage or chest area. Although the lungs have no pain receptors, a number of conditions involving the lungs and their 

surrounding structures can be painful. The pain can be intense, weak or chronic.


Lung pain can be described as:

  • Sharp or stabbing pain: This can come on quickly and heavily, and may be a stabbing sensation.
  • Aching pain: A lower level, persistent pain that can be felt as a type of deep pressure or heaviness.
  • If it gets worse when breathing or coughing: This indicates that the pain is related to the lungs or the respiratory system.

Depending on the cause, symptoms may also include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, fever or fatigue.


Causes of Lung Pain

Lung pain can come from a variety of causes, from minor to serious and could be a life-threatening emergency. Here are the most common causes:


Pleurisy (Pleuritis)

Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining that envelops the lungs. Inflammation can lead to chest pain that is sharp and stabbing, and increases when the person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Viral infections (influenza or pneumonia), bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases are common causes of pleurisy.


Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a condition of the lungs caused by an infection which may cause pain in the chest, particularly when coughing or breathing deeply. Other symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, shortness of breath and fatigue. The pain can be either dull or sharp and is generally localised to the area of the infection.


Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot that develops in one of the arteries in the lungs that can cause sudden, sharp and severe chest pain. The pain can get worse with breathing deeply or coughing. A PE is a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness and coughing up blood.


Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

With pneumothorax, air passes from inside the lungs to the space between the lungs and the chest wall, resulting in collapse of the lung. The disease may cause sudden, intense chest pain and breathing problems. It can happen as a result of trauma, lung ailment or spontaneously. The pneumothorax must be treated as an emergency.


Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is often caused by a viral infection, causing pain in the chest and breathing and/or coughing discomfort. Long-term irritation from smoking or smoking-related factors can also lead to chronic bronchitis, which can result in discomfort and even pain in the chest.


Lung Cancer

Another potential cause of lung pain is lung cancer, which usually isn't the first symptom. As the tumour continues to develop it could penetrate the surrounding tissues and become painful. Lung cancer pain is usually sharp or dull and other symptoms may include a persistent cough or a loss of weight or difficulty in breathing.


Costochondritis

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage in between the ribs and the breastbone. It's not a lung disease directly, but the pain accompanying this condition may be confused with lung pain. The pain is usually limited to the rib area and is aggravated by movement or palpation.


Acid Reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach juices back up into the esophagus, leaving a burning or unpleasant tasting sensation. It isn't directly associated with lung pain, however sometimes it could cause chest area pain that might be confused with lung pain.


Muscle Strain

Localised pain between the ribs (intercostal muscles) can be an issue and resemble lung pain in character caused by overuse or injury. This kind of pain is frequently worsened by getting around, coughing or deep breathing.


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Symptoms Associated with Lung Pain

Other symptoms are common with lung-related conditions, and can help to identify the cause as well as the actual pain. These include:


  • Difficulty breathing: Conditions such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embolus and pneumonia can cause shortness of breath.
  • Persistent or severe coughing: Often happens in infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis or lung cancer.
  • Fever and chills: Fever is a common symptom of infections like pleurisy and pneumonia.
  • Wheezing: Wheezing or a high-pitched whistling when breathing could be a sign of asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions.
  • Bloody cough: This may be a sign of serious disease, such as a pulmonary embolism, lung cancer or tuberculosis.
  • Weakness and fatigue: Weaker than usual and feeling tired is common during infections, pneumonia or chronic lung diseases.

Diagnosing the Cause of Lung Pain

If you have pain in your lungs, especially when it is associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or fever, it is important to seek the attention of your doctor immediately. A thorough history, physical examination and possibly the following tests will be performed:


  • Chest X-ray: X-ray of the chest that can help detect pneumonia, pneumothorax, lung cancer and other lung diseases.
  • CT Scan: More detailed imaging procedure to detect conditions like pulmonary embolus, tumour or other structural abnormalities.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may be used to identify signs of infection or inflammation or problems with oxygenation.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests: These are used to assess lung function and may be helpful to diagnose chronic diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Sputum Culture: If a person has a persistent cough and makes sputum (mucus) a sample may be collected for a laboratory test to look at for infections by bacteria or viruses.

Treatment Options for Lung Pain

The treatment for lung pain will depend on the cause of the pain. Here are some of the more common remedies for various ailments:


  • Antibiotics: If the pain in the lungs is due to a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
  • Pain Relief: Over the counter pain medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain from inflammation or overwork of a muscle.
  • Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen therapy can be used if there is a lack of oxygen (for example, in pulmonary embolus or pneumothorax) to assist breathing.
  • Surgery: Surgery might be needed to treat the underlying cause of a condition, such as pneumothorax or lung cancer.
  • Lifestyle changes: If symptoms are caused by acid reflux or chronic respiratory problems, diet, posture or lifestyle changes may be helpful (such as quitting smoking).
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Blood thinners are sometimes used to prevent the pulmonary embolism from forming more blood clots.
  • Corticosteroids or Bronchodilators: If you have asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis, these can help to widen air passages and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Lung pain can come in many forms, from short-term and minor (such as muscle strain) to more serious (such as a pulmonary embolism or pneumonia). Recognizing the signs of lung pain, proper medical treatment and follow-up are critical. With attention to the signs and appropriate early medical advice, you can help maintain lung health, and help get better faster. 


Please book an appointment with the best Pulmonologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.