Lung pain when breathing can be caused by several conditions, often involving the tissues and structures around the lungs rather than the lungs themselves.

Common Causes

• Respiratory infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis, may inflame the tissue surrounding the lungs and cause pain, especially during deep breaths.

• Pleurisy occurs when the membrane lining the lungs becomes inflamed, leading to sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.

• Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, can cause sudden and intense pain with breathing, as well as shortness of breath and other serious symptoms.

• Trauma or injury to the chest, inflammation of the rib cartilage (costochondritis), and muscle strains can all result in pain when breathing deeply.

Less Common Causes

• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) may cause acute pain and difficulty breathing and is a medical emergency.

• Conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer can also lead to chest discomfort during breathing.

• Heart-related issues, panic attacks, and gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux can sometimes mimic lung pain when breathing.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain, trouble breathing, blue lips or nails, coughing up blood, or chest pain that spreads to your arm, back, neck, or jaw.

• Mild pain may improve with rest, but persistent or worsening symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.