What are the causes of lung pain?
Lung pain is one of the characteristic symptoms, that in that organis occurring some possible pathologywhich we will mention:
1. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a pathology, in which the tissue that covers the lungs and chest called the pleura, becomes inflamed by the accumulation of fluidsdue to an infection. (1)
In this sense, among the symptoms associated with pleurisy isacute chest pain, which worsens during breathing, cough, fever, among others
Note: The procedure for treating pleurisyis the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but this may vary depending on the assessment of the treating physician after evaluation.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumoniais an infection caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus, which inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs, which fill with fluid or pus. (2)
In view of this, patients with pneumoniahave some additional problemssuch as fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness when coughing or breathing.
You should know: The therapeutic strategy to treat pneumonia is the use of antibiotics , drugs to calm the cough and the use of analgesics and antipyretics, but this drug therapy will depend on medical evaluation.
3. Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism consists of the obstruction in one of the arteries or in both (left and right), which carry blood to the lungs, caused by a blood clot that comes from deep veins. (3)
The characteristic symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can be shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain or discomfort that generally worsens when coughing or taking deep breaths, among others.
To highlight: The immediate treatment for pulmonary embolism consists of Administering anticoagulants in an immediate medical assistance center.Once the obstruction is resolved, the remission of the rest of the symptoms, including lung pain, is expected.
4. Shingles
Herpes zoster or “shingles”Isan infectious disease that occurs in the sensory nerve ganglia and their innervations, which is characterized by incessant pain along the course of the nerve called Postherpetic neuralgia(4) , whose effect is presented in the rib cage , and can be confused with a pain in the lungs. (5)
Note: Other symptoms associated with shingles include rash, paresthesia, burning, and itching in the affected area.
This disease is treated with antiviral drugs if necessary, however the tendency is for it to disappear spontaneously after several days. The use of antihistamines in allergic cases is also included, always under the supervision of a doctor .
5. Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic process in which the lung tissue scars, becomes thick and hard at the level of the pulmonary alveoli , which causes breathing difficulties and can prevent the blood from receiving enough oxygen and which is caused by a lung disease. , such as Covid 19. (6)
Among the symptoms of this disease are dyspnea, breathlessness, chest pain caused by constant coughing and the fibrosis process itself.
You should know: The way to treat pulmonary fibrosis is based on immunosuppressive and antifibrotic drugs, under medical supervision.
6. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the proliferation of cancer cells in the lung tissues, usually around the cells that line the air passages. (7)
This pathology can present with symptoms such as bloody cough with chest pain, wheezing and weight loss , but these usually do not appear until the disease has advanced.
Highlights: Treatment for lung cancer depends on when it is discovered and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
7. Panic attack
occurs, based on an apparent and non-imminent danger.
This disorder can present with symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, a feeling of suffocation or shortness of breath, tightness, and chest pain probably caused by a state of stress and pulmonary hyperventilation.
You should know: The therapeutic strategy in these cases consists of intervention with psychological therapies and complementary pharmacological treatment with medications for anxiety ( anxiolytics ).
8. Heart conditions
Heart conditions are pathological events that affect the cardiovascular system, including heart attack, angina pectoris or stroke. (9)
Note: Often the symptoms of heart conditions are presented according to the condition itself, however pain or tightness in the chest, coughing up phlegm or dryness, shortness of breath, among others, are common.
It should be noted that the treatment for heart conditions includes drug therapy indicated by a specialist doctor and a change in lifestyle, would be the most important to recommend.
Key Conclusions
- Lung pain consists of discomfort that occurs in the rib cage in relation to a pathology.
- Lung or chest pain frequently occurs due to diseases caused by infections such as pleurisy, pneumonia or herpes zoster.
- Chest pain can also be caused by pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, or heart conditions.
- Lung pain is mitigated by treating the disease that produces it.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.