Occassional Sharp Pain When Breathing ... A Bit Scared?

Question

For the past five days or so, I have had a bit of pain in in what feels like my chest (pectoral area, closer to the center of my chest than left nipple, extends a bit above and below the nipple).

The pain is occassional and happens when I breate deep and sometimes when I turn over while laying down or when I reach for something.

Most of the time when it hurts, it feels like a sharp pain. Today, there is a "low level" dull pain almost consistent.

There is no shortness of breath, and today I have felt quite lethargic and even light-headed (might not be at all related). I took a nap and I don't feel the light-headedness any more.

I am a serious smoker (12 years) with a horrendous diet.

I am not overweight (5 ft 10, 180 pounds), but was quite fit as little as 6 months ago, before totally stopping daily workouts.

Past 36 hours I have cut down on my cigarettes (7 yesterday and 3 today so far, normally a pack and a half a day. Pain at worst 2 days ago after a 2+ pack day

Thoughts?

I am 30 years old.

I have no personal doctor. I have no health insurance.

Answer 1

If the pain persist, you need to see your Doctor. Cutting down on the cigarettes is great, but there may be something else going on.