Localization of pain

If the breath-dependent pain is only localized on the right side, the cause may be pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura). In pleuritis, a burning sensation is felt when breathing. The pain can also radiate to other parts of the body, such as the shoulder.

In addition, breathing difficulties, fever and dry cough occur. The cause is often a viral infection. In general, viral infections, such as influenza, but also a bacterial infection, which can be the basis for pneumonia, can be the triggering factor for the breathing pain.

These are all associated with physical exhaustion and fatigue. However, the pain is often localized on both sides. Furthermore, a right-sided pleural effusion can be responsible for the pain.

In a pleural effusion, fluid collects between the lung and the pleura (the skin surrounding the lung). Pain is most prominent in deep breathing and shortness of breath. Another cause can be a pneumothorax.

Here the right half of the lung has collapsed. This is usually caused by an injury to the rib cage, but can also occur spontaneously in young men. It is characterized by a sudden very strong pain when breathing, as well as shortness of breath and increased pulse rate.

But also rib injuries can be causal and lead to one-sided breathing pain.Respiratory pain on the left side can be caused by all diseases that also lead to complaints on the right side. These include infections, pneumonia, rib injuries, nerve injuries, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the skin surrounding the lung). Since the heart is located slightly on the left side of the chest, pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, is also a possible cause.

In pericarditis, pain occurs on the left or in the middle of the chest and is accompanied by fever, cough and shortness of breath. Another cause of left-sided pain when breathing is Roemheld syndrome. Here, the pain is often perceived as heart pain.

The underlying cause, however, is an accumulation of gas in the stomach or intestine, which pushes the diaphragm upwards. This restricts the range of movement of the heart and lungs. Between the ribs run muscles and nerves, the so-called intercostal muscles and intercostal nerves.

The intercostal muscles serve as breathing aid muscles. It is mainly used during deep breathing and lifts the chest when breathing in. Incorrect sitting posture, unusual physical strain or jerky injuries can lead to tension or sore muscles in this muscle group.

More rarely, tears in the intercostal muscles can also occur. There is a sharp pain when breathing in. In addition to the muscles, the nerves can also be the cause, in which case one speaks of intercostal neuralgia.

Pain emanating from nerves is burning, stinging or tingling. The pain can also be localized in the back, but is usually unilateral. An intercostal neuralgia can be accompanied by sensations and can be caused by various diseases.

Shingles is a common trigger. Although shingles also causes a rash, intercostal neuralgia can also occur before the rash develops. Other possible causes include a pinched nerve.

Normally, respiratory pain in the throat is caused by a cold, other viral infections or pneumonia. Due to the frequent coughing, the mucous membrane of the windpipe becomes irritated and very sensitive. The mere passing of air when inhaled is sufficient to cause pain.

This pain can persist for a long time after a serious infectious disease – especially if one has not recovered sufficiently after the illness or if several colds have followed each other. Another cause is directly an inflammation in the trachea caused by an infection, which makes the mucous membrane more sensitive. But foreign bodies in the windpipe can also cause irritation.

Foreign bodies should be removed immediately by the doctor. Teas such as chamomile, mint or ginger can help with pain caused by infections. They have a decongestant and calming effect.

Furthermore, warmth and protection helps. The kidneys are located in the back under the lowest ribs. In the case of breath-related pain in this area, the kidneys themselves are not usually the trigger.

Pain emanating from the kidneys is not dependent on breathing, but gets worse by tapping the kidneys. The reason for the pain is muscle tension, trapped nerves or a slipped disc. If a nerve is trapped or a herniated disc is removed, the pain often radiates into other areas.

A banal cause of breath-dependent pain is side pain after sports activities. These disappear by themselves after a short time. Another cause is irritation of a nerve, e.g. due to an incarceration.

Pain originating from nerves often radiates to other parts of the body. But also pneumonia or pleurisy can cause pain in the upper abdomen. No pain can be perceived in the lung itself, since the lung is not innervated by pain-conducting nerves.

However, the lung is surrounded by the pleura, which is sensitive to pain. The pleura can become inflamed, and this is known as pleuritis. It is accompanied by fever and cough.

But many other diseases can also be the cause. An example is pleural effusion. Here, fluid collects between the lungs and the lung, which causes pain when inhaling deeply.

In the late stages, lung cancer can also lead to lung pain. This is usually accompanied by chronic coughing and blood spitting.Respiratory heart pain does not normally originate in the heart. When the heart is diseased, the pain persists.

In the case of a heart attack, the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, but is not itself influenced by breathing. In addition, there is mortal fear, sweating and restlessness. Breath-dependent pain that is felt in the heart area can be caused by problems in the spine, for example.

Stinging pain in the chest can be an indication of a serious illness, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) or pleuritis. Frequently, however, harmless causes are underlying chest pain, e.g. tension, sore muscles or a vertebral body blockage. Other possible diseases are rib fractures or nerve entrapment.

Breath-related pain behind the breastbone can be caused by pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) or pneumothorax (collapse of a lung). Pleuritis is accompanied by fever and cough, while pneumothorax leads to sudden, stabbing pain. If the pain is aggravated by breathing, it may also be due to intercostal neuralgia.

Intercostal neuralgia is a pain between the ribs that originates from the nerves. In rare cases, pericarditis can also be the cause. This usually causes shortness of breath and fever. The pain can be felt in the middle or left.