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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Cause Sharp Shoulder Pain While Breathing?

I'm just wondering the worst case scenerio until i get to a doctor in person. I believe i have a bacterial infection in my lungs. When i try to take deep breaths or just even breathing i get a sharp pain throughout my left shoulder blade, sometimes switching to both and up my neck, causing a headache as well. When i move around such as to a different position to sleep in my heart beats fast and i can feel my lungs ache, almost like they can colapse at any given time. I can't sleep because of the pain. I'm only 19, and i do smoke. I've smoked for about 5 years.
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, you are right.
Lung infection can cause referred pain in shoulder region.
Lower lobe pneumonia often cause diaphragm irritation. Diaphragm and shoulder joint share common nerve supply. So pain produced by diaphragm irritation can be felt at shoulder joint.
You are also smoker, so chances of lung Infection are higher due to poor lung defense.
So better to get done chest x ray.
If chest x ray is normal than no need to worry for lung infection.
Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can cause similar symptoms.
So take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs. Avoid movements causing pain.
Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
But first quit smoking and rule out lung infection.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Cause Sharp Shoulder Pain While Breathing?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, you are right. Lung infection can cause referred pain in shoulder region. Lower lobe pneumonia often cause diaphragm irritation. Diaphragm and shoulder joint share common nerve supply. So pain produced by diaphragm irritation can be felt at shoulder joint. You are also smoker, so chances of lung Infection are higher due to poor lung defense. So better to get done chest x ray. If chest x ray is normal than no need to worry for lung infection. Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can cause similar symptoms. So take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs. Avoid movements causing pain. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Don t worry, you will be alright. But first quit smoking and rule out lung infection. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.