Why Does Your Chest Hurt When You Breathe? Find Out Here

Struggling with that sharp, stabbing pain with every breath? Well, the dull, throbbing pain that gets worse with each inhaled breath can be a cause of real worry. Though our brains tend to leap to the worst possible explanation of a heart attack, the truth is that chest pain with breathing is frequently brought on by a host of lesser life-threatening factors. So what's actually going on in your body, and when do you need to worry?

We asked the same question to our expert, Dr Prateek Chaudhary, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, and he explained to us why your chest hurts everytime you breathe. Here’s what he shared with us, and you need to know.

Why Does Your Chest Hurt When You Breathe

Our chest cavity is a complicated area, where important organs such as our heart and lungs reside, along with a network of muscles, nerves, bones, and cartilage. As we inhale, our intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs) and diaphragm contract and relax, moving our chest out and getting our lungs filled with air. Any pain that arises from injury, inflammation, or irritation of these structures is a possibility.

According to Dr Chaudhary, here are some of th primary causes of that sore, painful breath:

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

The most common reason for chest pain with breathing is an issue with the musculoskeletal system. These may include:

• Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that attaches our ribs to our breastbone (sternum). Sharp and stabbing pain that may be worse on deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Often due to a viral infection, injury to the chest, or even heavy exercise.
• Muscle Strain: A pulled or strained intercostal muscle can be incredibly painful. This can happen from vigorous exercise, a sudden twisting motion, or even a prolonged coughing fit. The pain is usually localised and feels tender to the touch.

Also Read: 5 Signs That You Need a Break and How to Recover

2. Respiratory Conditions

The health of our lungs is intrinsically linked to our ability to breathe without pain. If it pains while breathing, chances are of:

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): An inflammation of the pleura, the thin membranes that cover our lungs and the chest cavity. In a healthy chest, these membranes slide against one another easily, but when inflamed, they rub against one another, generating a sharp, stabbing discomfort with each breath. Pleurisy is a complication in many cases of viral or bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
• Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, usually filling them with pus or fluid. This may lead to pain in the chest when breathing, accompanied by a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
• Bronchitis: Although mostly responsible for cough, acute bronchitis can also be responsible for chest pain or a burning sensation due to the frequent irritation of the airways.

3. Other Causes or the Less Obvious Culprits

Dr Chaudhary highlighted that occasionally, the chest pain is a result of a problem elsewhere in the body. Such as:

• Acid Reflux (GERD): Severe heartburn often simulates chest pain when the stomach acid burns the oesophagus. The discomfort is sharp and may also worsen lying down, occasionally being confused with a respiratory-related problem.
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Adrenaline rushes during a panic attack may trigger hyperventilation, producing tightness, pain, and a sense of not being able to breathe.

When to Seek Medical Help

Dr Chaudhary noted that although most causes of chest pain are not life-threatening, it is important never to ignore it. In case your chest pain is ever accompanied by any of the symptoms below, get medical help immediately:

• Crushing or squeezing pain in your mid-chest
• Pain radiating to your arms, back, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweat

These can be a sign of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung), both of which are emergencies and require professional assistance.

Bottomline

A painful breath is a signal from your body that something is amiss. While it's most often a minor issue, it's essential to listen to these signals and consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Understanding the potential causes can alleviate some of the initial fear, but a medical expert is the only one who can truly unlock the mystery and ensure your peace of mind.