The pain you feel when taking a deep breath on your left side under your rib could be due to pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.
What is Pleurisy?
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the thin layers of tissue that separate your lungs from your chest wall. When these layers become inflamed, they rub against each other, causing pain, especially when breathing.
Symptoms of Pleurisy:
Here's a table summarizing common pleurisy symptoms:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Sharp pain under rib | Pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. |
| Shortness of breath | Difficulty inhaling enough air |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling like you can't get a full breath |
| Fever | Elevated body temperature may be present, especially if caused by an infection |
Causes of Pleurisy:
According to the provided reference, pleurisy can be caused by several factors including:
- Bacterial, viral or fungal pneumonia: Infections in the lungs can lead to inflammation of the pleura.
- Lung cancer: Tumors in the lungs can sometimes irritate the pleura.
- Pulmonary embolism: Blood clots in the lung can also cause pleurisy.
Why the pain?
When you take a deep breath, your lungs expand, causing the inflamed pleura to rub together. This friction results in the sharp pain you feel, especially under your ribs.
What To Do?
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Don't delay seeing a doctor
- Follow all medical advice provided.
