Why Does My Chest Hurt When I Breathe?

Many health issues can cause chest pain that occurs or worsens when you breathe. Some are minor, and others are life-threatening. This article covers chest pain, including what it feels like, what can cause it and what you should do if you experience it.

Note: If you experience a sudden onset of significant chest pain with an unknown cause, you should go to the emergency room or call 911.

What Does Chest Pain Feel Like?

The terms “chest pain” and “chest discomfort” cover a wide range of sensations. Chest pain can be sharp or dull, widespread or focused on a specific area. It can remain in the chest or spread to the arms, neck or jaw. Chest pain might feel like a tearing sensation, pressure, squeezing, crushing or fullness.

What Causes Chest Pain When Breathing?

Many illnesses and medical conditions can cause chest pain that’s most noticeable when you breathe, including:

• Respiratory infections: Influenza (flu), COVID-19, pneumonia and other infections affecting the lungs.
• Asthma: A chronic lung condition causing chest tightness that may become painful.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Can cause a chronic cough and chest pain.
• Pleurisy: Inflammation of tissue separating the lungs from the rib cage; pain may worsen with breathing.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart's protective lining causing stabbing chest pain.
• Shingles: Can cause chest pain if affecting the chest area.
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, causing pain with breathing.
• Heart attack: Chest pain that can worsen with deep breaths.
• Other heart- and blood vessel-related issues: Aortic dissection, stenosis, valve disease, etc.
• Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung causing chest pain and breathing issues.
• Lung cancer: May cause chest pain that increases with breathing.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Can cause pain when breathing.
• Rib fractures: Broken ribs can cause intense pain when breathing.
• Intercostal muscle strain: Breathing can be painful if these muscles are strained.
• Panic attacks: Chest tightness and pain are common symptoms.

What To Do if You Experience Chest Pain When You Breathe

If you know why you’re experiencing chest pain, you can focus on treating the cause. For example, managing asthma or resting a strained muscle.

However, if you have pain when you breathe and don’t know why, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor. They can review your history, examine you, order tests and prescribe treatment.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one in our online directory.

You should seek emergency medical care if chest pain develops suddenly, is intense or is accompanied by shortness of breath, radiating pain, nausea, dizziness, sweating, confusion, or coughing up blood.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Respiratory Care at Baptist Health
Steps to Creating an Asthma-Friendly Home
What are the Stages of COPD?
How Long Does It Take Your Lungs To Heal From Vaping?