For the past three months, I've been getting random sharp pains on the left side of my chest (below the area where the heart beats) when I breathe (usually when I exhale deeply). It can also happen when I am leaning down, yawning, sneezing, or even when I'm not moving at all. The pain only stays for about 2 minutes and then goes away. However, I experience this pain at least 2-3 times a day. I was never injured, but I did have a dry cough last month. Is this pain coming from my heart or .. lung, because I am very concerned (since it is on the left side of my chest)? Is this a serious issue and could this possibly the infection pleurisy? Thanks.
2007-02-06 08:21:02 · 6 answers · asked by Nicole 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful, and sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.
2007-02-06 08:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by Bigdog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be a number of things: pneumonia- which would be really serious since it's going on for 3 months. pleurisy- which is an inflammation between the linings in the lungs- but 3 months? the pain is usually experienced on EVERY breath. - heart problems- probably not but needs to be ruled out.
Walking pneumonia is very serious and could kill you- your symptoms point to this- and I know this because I had it 2 years ago- go to the ER- and I say ER because you need a chest x-ray and your family doctor cannot do that in his office and you would then waste another day to go to the hospital to get the chest xray- they may also want to do a CAT scan of your lungs- also done at a hospital or an outpatient facility- going to the ER will give you the quickest answer for a longstanding problem and the best care fastest...........good luck to you...........
2007-02-06 08:47:18 · answer #2 · answered by mac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hope - any thing is possible including that it is all caused by muscles that are tight (have knots called trigger points). For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies it teaches you how to relax the muscles anywhere in your body and deals with the pain and referred pain that comes from places that you would never have guessed.
2007-02-08 14:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by Keko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might possible have pneumonia! i would go to the doctor, any pain around your heart or lungs is a concern, although it could be something as simple as heartburn or gas. i would still consult a doctor to be safe.
2007-02-06 08:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by MOT-XJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possible collapsed lung from your cough last month...i'd get it checked. BTw you can have a partially collapsed lung and not even know it until you start having weird chest issues...just my $0.02 worth.
2007-02-06 08:26:20 · answer #5 · answered by Steelhead 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please see a doctor.IMMEDIATELY. It could be nothing, or it could be something more serious.Don't delay, ok?
2007-02-06 08:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by gia b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋