The lungs have few pain receptors, so pain in the lungs usually starts elsewhere in the body. Possible causes of left-side lung or chest pain when breathing in include costochondritis and pneumothorax.
However, some lung-related conditions can result in pain in the left lung.
The chest contains several vital organs, including the heart and lungs. Because of this, it is understandable why someone experiencing pain in this area may worry about what is causing it.
This article examines some potential causes of lung pain and what people can do if they experience this symptom.
Chest pain
- chest pain
- feeling weak or lightheaded
- pain in the jaw, back, or neck
- breathlessness
The following include some of the more common causes of lung pain, including left lung pain:
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that causes airway inflammation and lung irritability, which makes people more prone to wheezing and shortness of breath.
Chronic coughing and wheezing relating to asthma can cause feelings of chest tightness.
Typically, this will make a person’s chest tight on both sides, not just the left.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the connective tissue that joins a person’s ribs to their breastbone. Costochondritis can cause pain that feels like chest pain, which can occur on one side.
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, can result from illness or panic attacks. This condition can affect the typical balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen inside the body.
One of the primary symptoms of hyperventilation is chest tightness.
A person may also experience dizziness, headache, and trouble concentrating.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer does not
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is a portion or all of a lung collapsing. This
A pneumothorax can occur suddenly or after an injury or illness.
Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion is a condition where excess fluid builds up inside the lining of the lung, known as the pleural space. This buildup
Pleurisy
This condition occurs when the two membranes of the chest wall become inflamed. When they rub against each other, pain and shortness of breath can occur.
When a person has pleurisy, a doctor will perform various tests to find the cause. The cause could be a viral infection, trauma, or lupus, an autoimmune disorder that attacks a person’s tissues and organs.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that can affect one or both lungs. If pneumonia is on the affected side, a person may experience pain in that lung.
Additional symptoms might include a cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot or clots in the lungs’ arteries. A PE can occur after a person has had surgery or been sedentary for some time.
While some causes of left-sided chest pain may be mild, others can cause concern. Some signs that left lung pain could be a medical emergency include:
- chest pain, particularly chest pain that radiates down the left arm
- coughing up blood
- lips or fingernails that are bluish in tint, which can indicate that a person is not getting enough oxygen
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- a temperature higher than 105°F (40.5°C)
If someone experiences these or other symptoms, they need to call 911 or have someone drive them to the emergency room immediately.
Signs of lung cancer
Lung cancer signs
- long-term changes to the sound and tone of a person’s voice, such as hoarseness
- chronic infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, that will not go away
- a cough that does not get better over time
- coughing up rust-colored or blood-tinged mucus
- unexplained feelings of fatigue and weakness
- wheezing with no known underlying cause
If someone experiences these symptoms, they need to consult a doctor.
Whether the pain relates to the lung or feels like it is, a person needs to consult their doctor if it interferes with their everyday life.
This is especially true if the pain is worsening instead of improving.
A doctor will diagnose the cause of left chest pain by taking a medical history and physical examination.
The doctor will ask questions about what makes the pain worse, what makes it better, and when the pain began. They will also listen to the lungs with a stethoscope.
Imaging tests
A doctor may recommend initial imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, to identify potential issues relating to the lungs. If this X-ray does not reveal any problems, but the doctor suspects an underlying problem, they may recommend further testing.
Further tests could include an MRI or CT scan. These imaging studies can provide different, high quality pictures of the lungs to aid in a diagnosis.
Blood tests
Other testing modes may include a complete blood count to identify a person’s number of white blood cells. A high white blood cell count could indicate that an infection is present in the body.
Another test a doctor might use is a cardiac enzyme panel. This determines whether pain in the left lung is, in fact, chest pain relating to a heart attack or another heart problem.
Doctors may also recommend individual tests according to a person’s symptoms and left lung pain.
Resting and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help if the cause relates to the muscles around the lung.
Treatments for other possible causes of left lung pain can vary. For example, if a person has a collapsed left lung, a doctor may insert a small tube between the ribs and into the space around the lung to re-inflate it.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat respiratory-related infections due to bacteria.
The most important thing to do is consult a doctor who can begin the diagnostic process so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Here are some answers to common questions about left lung pain.
What does it mean when your left lung hurts?
Left lung pain can result from many issues, such as asthma, inflammation, injury, or an underlying condition.
How do I know if I have lung pain or muscle pain?
Lung pain may link to more serious underlying conditions and have accompanying symptoms such as coughing blood or difficulty breathing. A person can speak with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
How serious is pleurisy?
Pleurisy is usually easy to treat and gets better in a matter of days. However, it can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.
What can feel like lung pain?
Lung pain can also feel like chest muscle pain. Look out for accompanying symptoms.
Left lung pain has many potential causes. It has links to nearby organs, such as the heart and stomach.
Anyone experiencing left lung pain needs to seek prompt medical attention to ensure that the pain is not a symptom of a serious underlying condition.