What Mechanisms Cause Pain Near the Lungs? Pain in the region of the lungs can be caused in several ways. Some of these include: Inflammation -– due to an infection or another condition that causes inflammation in the lungs and surrounding areas. Irritation –- for example, irritation of the lining of the lungs, such as occurs with pleurisy. Pressure -– due to a benign or cancerous tumor in the lungs or chest cavity, or due to pressure from a tumor or inflammation around a nerve. Chest wall pain -– such as strained muscles due to coughing, injuries, or pain related to an infection with shingles (pain can be present before a rash is noticed.) What are Some Conditions That Cause Lung Pain? There are many possible conditions that may cause pain in the region of your lungs, but some of the more common ones include: Pleurisy -- an inflammation of the lung lining Infections –- such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or a lung abscess Asthma Pulmonary embolism -- a pulmonary embolus occurs when a blood clot in the legs or pelvis (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) breaks off and travels to the lungs Pneumothorax –- a collapse of a lung Pleural effusion -– a build-up of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs Benign and malignant tumors -– including lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer involving the lining of the lungs) Costochondritis –- inflammation in the rib joints Heart disease -– sometimes pain from a heart attack and other heart conditions can be felt as lung pain Acid reflux and esophageal spasm Rheumatoid conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis Hyperventilation Questions Your Doctor May Ask How long have you had lung pain? Did your symptoms begin suddenly, or did they come on gradually over a period of time? Is the pain sharp or is it vague and achy in character? Pain related to inflammation of the lung lining is often sharp, whereas pain related to a tumor is often deep and achy. Is the pain localized to one spot, or do you feel it diffusely throughout your chest? Does the pain get worse with a deep breath? Have you had any recent infections, or have you had a fever? Have you been coughing? Do you have any pain in your legs? What other medical conditions do you have, such as heart disease or lung conditions, or “autoimmune” conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis? Do you have a family history of any heart or lung problems? Have you traveled recently by plane or by car?
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 07:52:45 +0000
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