Usually, when a person says they have lung pain, it means they have chest pain because the lung has almost no pain receptors. Thus, although pain is sometimes related to lung problems, this pain can also be caused by problems in other organs, or even related to muscles or joints.
Ideally, whenever you experience chest discomfort, which does not improve over time, gets worse quickly or does not go away after 24 hours, go to a medical room for an evaluation, request tests if necessary, and look for heart problems. . Find out what can cause chest pain and what to do.
However, some of the most common causes of lung pain include
Also known as pleuritis, it is characterized by inflammation of the pleura, which is the membrane that lines the lungs and inside of the chest, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain and ribs during deep breathing, coughing and shortness of breath.
This problem usually occurs due to fluid buildup between the two layers of the pleura, being more common in people with respiratory problems, such as influenza, pneumonia or lung infections. Check in more detail for symptoms that may indicate pleurisy.
What to do: Whenever pleurisy is suspected, it is very important to see a doctor or see a pneumologist to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Treatment depends on the cause of pleurisy, but symptoms can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, for example, prescribed by your doctor.
Lung infections, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, can also cause chest pain, including symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive mucus production, coughing with or without blood, fever, chills and night sweats. Here’s how to identify a respiratory infection.
What to do: If you suspect a lung infection, you should immediately consult a doctor to prevent the problem from getting worse. As a general rule, initial treatment is done with antibiotics and other medications to relieve other symptoms.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes airway irritation and inflammation and, in an attack situation, can cause chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. To better understand what asthma is.
What to do: Asthma is usually treated with corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which are often used throughout life. In addition, there are other ways to prevent seizures, such as not having pets in the house, keeping the house clean, avoiding carpets and curtains, and staying away from smokers. Learn more about treatment.
Also known as pulmonary thrombosis, it is an emergency situation characterized by obstruction of a blood vessel in the lung, usually due to a clot, which prevents the passage of blood, causing the gradual death of the affected area, resulting in breathing pain. . and shortness of breath that starts suddenly and gets worse over time. In addition, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases, which affects the body’s organs due to lack of oxygen.
Embolism is more common in people who have had thrombosis or who have had recent surgery or who have had to remain unmoved for a long time.
What to do: The person with pulmonary embolism needs urgent assistance and treatment involves the administration of injectable blood thinners, such as heparin, for example, that will help dissolve the clot, so that the blood circulates again. In addition, it may also be necessary to take painkillers, relieve chest pain and perform other procedures depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Learn more about treating pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary atelecsis is characterized by a respiratory complication that prevents the passage of the necessary air, due to sagging of the pulmonary alveoli, which usually occurs due to cystic fibrosis or tumors and lung damage.
This condition can cause severe breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and constant chest pain. Learn more about pulmonary atelecsis.
What to do: Any changes that cause severe breathing difficulties should be evaluated by a pneumologist as soon as possible. Then it’s ideal to go to the hospital. Treatment depends on the cause of pulmonary atelecsis and, in more severe cases, surgery may be needed to clear the airways or even remove the affected area of the lung.
In situations of anxiety or panic attacks, some people may experience chest pain because they breathe faster, which can cause an imbalance between the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide, also causing dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath. Concentration. Here’s how to identify an anxiety attack.
What to do: A good way to try to reduce anxiety and relieve pain is to breathe in a paper bag for at least 5 minutes, trying to control your breathing. If the pain does not improve, it is advisable to go to the hospital.