Lung Pain

Causes Of Lung Pain

Let's first make a distinction between lung pain and chest pain. A lung disease or disorder can cause chest pain. But obviously, not all pain that's located in the chest occurs because of a lung problem.

Pain caused by a lung problem is often mistaken for heart pain because these organs are packed together tightly in the chest.

Interestingly, the lungs, like some other internal organs, are insensitive. In other words, the pain you feel is not from the lungs themselves, but rather from other tissue, muscles, or organs near the lungs.

This article will deal with pain related to the lungs, although in some cases, there may be a connection to the heart too.

The list of lung pain causes below is not all-inclusive, but it covers many of the most common causes of lung pain.

Cough lung pain Lung pain and chest pain are often caused by persistent or chronic coughing. This lung pain will be temporary if the cough is the result of a cold or the flu. But those with lung conditions like COPD, bronchitis or other lung diseases may experience chornic chest and lung pain as a result.

Smoking lung pain Lung pain caused by smoking is the result of congestion and lung damage that results from years of using tobacco products.

Collapsed lung pain This occurs when the space between the wall of the chest cavity and the lung itself fills with air, causing all or part of the lung to collapse.

Collapsed lung pain is sharp and stabbing. It hurts more when you try to draw a deep breath. Pain often radiates to the shoulder and or back.

The pain actually comes from the pleura, which is the inner lining of the rib wall. This lining becomes irritated while a lung is collapsing.

Pleurisy This comes from the word "pleura," as noted above. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura that triggers a hacking cough and often, sharp pains in the chest area. Click on pleurisy for more information.

Pneumonia lung pain As you probably know, pneumonia is an infection in a lung caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or bacteria-like organisms called mycoplasma.

Typically, pneumonia causes lung pain in the chest area and a range of other symptoms, including a worsening cough, headaches, muscle aches, shaking chills and a high fever.

COPD This is an abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, specifically chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD makes breathing difficult, which can result in chest pain. Someone with COPD is also likely to cough a lot, which also causes pain in the chest and throat. Once again, the pain is not actually in the lungs, but results rather from muscles in the chest being strained and stretched.

This is one of those instances in which the pain can also be attributed to the heart. Someone with COPD has to work harder to breath, and therefore the heart has to work harder to supply oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The strain on the heart makes it hurt.

Lung cancer Chest pain can result from a number of causes connected to lung cancer: a tumor pressing against nerves, bones, or other parts of the body; or pain triggered by treatment of the cancer or side effects. Click on lung cancer to learn more.

Overexertion There is a type of chest pain known as "stable angina" that sometimes occurs during vigorous exercise. It may occasionally be brought on by eating a large meal or it may be caused by stress. It includes sharp, stabbing pains that make breathing difficult. As with COPD, this type of pain is caused when the heart suddenly has to work harder, and it literally begins to hurt as it strains to supply the body with oxygen.

Nearly everyone experiences some type of lung pain or chest pain from time to time. Very often, the pain is mild and certainly isn't life threatening. Nonetheless, it pays to be cautious. When you feel the onset of lung pain, it's a good idea to get in touch with your doctor, and be prepared to talk to him or her about any other symptoms that are occurring.

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