Chest pain when taking a deep breath can be caused by various conditions affecting the chest, lungs, heart, or muscles. Common causes include:
- Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum (costochondritis), which causes sharp chest pain worsened by deep breathing.
- Infections like pneumonia or pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), causing sharp or burning chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or movement.
- Pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane around the heart, often causing sharp pain aggravated by deep breaths or lying down.
- Muscle strain or trauma to the chest wall can cause pain that increases with deep breaths.
- More severe causes include heart-related issues (angina, heart attack) and lung issues like pulmonary embolism or collapsed lung, which require urgent medical attention.
- Other less common causes may include acid reflux (GERD) and anxiety attacks.
If the chest pain with deep breaths is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm, medical evaluation is critical to rule out life-threatening conditions.
In summary, chest pain during deep breaths can arise from inflammation, infection, trauma, heart or lung problems, or muscular causes. Immediate medical attention is advised if the pain is severe or associated with other symptoms indicating serious illness.
