4 Conditions that can cause chest pain when breathing

Breathing is the body's way of getting oxygen. With oxygen that all processes in the body can run smoothly. Just try to hold your breath, what does it feel like? Then when you breathe again you will feel relieved, right? So, what happens if when you breathe, what should be a relief, it actually makes your chest feel sore? To find out what causes chest pain when you inhale, read on for the following reviews.

1. Conditions related to muscles and bones in the chest

Injury to the chest area can cause chest pain when breathing in. Injury to the chest that can occur, for example, a broken sternum or chest muscle bruising from an impact.

When you inhale, the bones in your chest and muscles move with them. Well, if an injury occurs in this area, it will certainly cause pain when breathing.

2. Conditions related to the lungs

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs caused by bacteria. People who have pneumonia, the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are filled with fluid. Hence, several symptoms will arise due to this condition. One of them is chest pain when breathing.

Other symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and a cough that won't go away.

Inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy)

The lungs are organs covered by a special membrane called the pleura. This pleura can become inflamed due to bacteria, tumors, broken ribs, lung cancer, and injuries to the chest. This inflammatory condition will cause a painful effect on the chest when you breathe.

Because of the pain that is felt, people who have inflammation of the lining of the lungs tend to take short breaths to avoid the pain in their chest that will get worse if they breathe normally.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Generally these bacteria attack the lungs. People with tuberculosis have inflammation in the lungs, so that the chest hurts when they breathe. Another symptom that is quite serious is vomiting blood.

Empyema

Empyema is also called pyothorax or purulent pleurisy. This is a condition when pus collects in the area between the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space. When an infection occurs, the pleural space will accumulate pus as it thickens. This buildup causes the lining of the lungs and chest cavity to stick together. As a result, the lungs cannot fully expand and cause pain when breathing.

Pulmonary embolism

This blood clot in the lungs, called a pulmonary embolism, can also cause serious chest pain while breathing. Pulmonary embolism can occur due to an injury such as a fracture or muscle tear that can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can lead to clots.

Certain medical conditions can also cause blood to clot too easily, which can lead to pulmonary embolism. Conditions such as surgery or chemotherapy for cancer can also make blood clots easier to occur.

Pneumothorax

The pneumothorax condition will also make the sufferer feel chest pain when breathing. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The causes of this pneumothorax are manifold.

Pneumothorax can occur due to an injury to the chest that penetrates to the lungs. For example, victims of deep chest stab wounds, or broken ribs that pierced the lungs. This injury can cause air to leak in the lungs.

3. Conditions related to the heart

Heart disease

Disorders of the heart can also cause chest pain when breathing. There are several types of heart disease that can cause the following conditions:

• Angina, when there is very little blood flow to the heart
• Heart attack, when blood flow to the heart is closed
• Heart failure, when the heart is unable to pump blood

Pericarditis

The heart is covered by a thin membrane called the pericardium. This pericardium can become inflamed, known as pericarditis. This condition makes the chest hurt when you breathe. Chest pain that is felt during pericarditis is often felt in the middle of the chest, or the chest on the left.

Inflammation of the pericardium can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, and sometimes reactions to drugs and radiation therapy to the chest.

4. Conditions not related to the heart and lungs

Gastric acid reflux (GERD)

Chest pain when breathing can also occur due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to the American College of Gastroenterology, chest pain when breathing in due to GERD is also called non-cardiac chest pain.

Of course, chest pain when breathing due to heart problems and GERD have a difference. Chest pain when breathing due to GERD is felt not from inside the chest, but rather the pain is like it is on the surface of the skin and feels hot and sore, like burning.

Other conditions

Actually there are many other conditions that cause chest pain when breathing. If you experience this, consult a doctor immediately. Especially if you experience symptoms other than chest pain when you breathe. For example chills, dizziness, feeling restless or dazed, a faster heartbeat, chest pain when coughing, seizures, and even fainting. It's a good idea to seek emergency medical help right away.