The pain you're experiencing when you take a deep breath on your left side under your breast could be due to several factors, but one possible cause is pleurisy.
Pleurisy as a Possible Cause
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, which are two large, thin layers of tissue that separate your lungs from your chest wall. When these layers become inflamed, they rub against each other like sandpaper when you breathe, causing sharp pain.
Symptoms of Pleurisy
The most common symptom is a sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze. Other symptoms associated with pleurisy can include:
- Pain in the shoulder
- A dry cough
Other Potential Causes
While pleurisy is a common reason for this type of pain, other conditions can also cause similar symptoms. These include:
- Musculoskeletal problems: Strained muscles in the chest wall.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone.
- Lung conditions: Pneumonia, bronchitis, or a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks: Can sometimes cause chest tightness and pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It's important to see a doctor if you experience chest pain, especially if accompanied by:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
A doctor can properly diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
