Causes of Chest Pain

Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pleuritis

Cause of pain:

Many varieties of lung problems can cause chest pain, including disorders of the airways such as asthma or bronchitis, infection of the lungs (pneumonia), and inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleuritis, or pleurisy).

Characteristics of pain:

Chest pain caused by lung problems can be localized or diffuse, constant or increasing with breathing, and mild or severe. Pleurisy, in particular, is characterized by chest pain that appears each time a person inhales, and nearly disappears with exhalation. A severe coughing spell or two can sprain the chest muscles, and leave them aching for several days.

Evaluation:

Chest pain related to lung problems usually becomes quite apparent after the doctor takes a complete medical history, and performs a physical examination.

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