HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Why Am I Getting Sharp Pain In Chest While Breathing?

default
Posted on Mon, 18 Feb 2013
Question: Hello, I have been unable to take XXXXXXX beathes withoutsharp pain on the left side of my chest only when inhaling deeply for over 48 hours now. This is not unfamiliar as this has happened to me before, I believe it is precordial catch syndrome, however it has never lasted longer than a minute or so. I am 36 years old and I don't know how to make it stop and how long to wait it out? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Precordial catch symdrome is a cause for chest pain. In general it has specific charateristics, such as the pain of the left side of the chest. This pain should not radiate to any other area for the diagnosis to be made. In addition, it is normally described as sharp pain , worse on taking a breath, episodes last from 30 secs to 3mins. It never occurs during sleep (no history of waking up due to the pain).

It is thought to be due to 'pinching' of one of the intercostal nerves.
It is difficult to say how long an episode will last because the time frame varies, it may last only a few days for one person and weeks in another.

Even though taking a XXXXXXX breath is painful, some persons find that if they force themselves to breathe as deeply as possible, it results in a popping noise that results in pain resolution. At present there is no other recommended treatment available.

The other cause of pain on inspiration would be inflammation of the pleura or pleuritis.
This can occur in a variety of clinical setting including but not limited to infections, inhaled chemicals , trauma or as a result of medication.
It is treated by identifying the cause and by the use of voltaren on a full stomach.

i hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Why Am I Getting Sharp Pain In Chest While Breathing?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Precordial catch symdrome is a cause for chest pain. In general it has specific charateristics, such as the pain of the left side of the chest. This pain should not radiate to any other area for the diagnosis to be made. In addition, it is normally described as sharp pain , worse on taking a breath, episodes last from 30 secs to 3mins. It never occurs during sleep (no history of waking up due to the pain).

It is thought to be due to 'pinching' of one of the intercostal nerves.
It is difficult to say how long an episode will last because the time frame varies, it may last only a few days for one person and weeks in another.

Even though taking a XXXXXXX breath is painful, some persons find that if they force themselves to breathe as deeply as possible, it results in a popping noise that results in pain resolution. At present there is no other recommended treatment available.

The other cause of pain on inspiration would be inflammation of the pleura or pleuritis.
This can occur in a variety of clinical setting including but not limited to infections, inhaled chemicals , trauma or as a result of medication.
It is treated by identifying the cause and by the use of voltaren on a full stomach.

i hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions