Lung pain when breathing

Lung pain when breathing can have various triggers. In many cases, the lung itself is not the source of the pain, but a pinched or irritated intercostal nerve that causes pain when breathing. These are not always easy to distinguish from lung pain.

In such a case one speaks of intercostal neuralgia. Pain when breathing can otherwise occur in the case of a flu-like infection that has led to an inflammation of the pleura (pleuritis). The pleura, i.e. the lung skin, is very sensitive to pain and can cause severe discomfort in the event of inflammation.

When breathing, the inflamed lung skin then rubs along the pleura each time. This triggers the pain. But even in the case of a simple flu-like infection, breathing can become uncomfortable if there is a strong urge to cough.

The cough puts a strain on the chest muscles, which can then be irritated and hurt when breathing.In addition, there are unpleasant tensions, which are promoted by coughing and bad postures. Stinging pains in the lungs, especially when inhaling, must also make one think of another disease, pulmonary embolism. This is a blockage of the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot that has come loose from the deep veins of the leg and has been flushed into the lungs. Pulmonary embolism should be considered in particular in patients who have previously taken a long flight or have been immobile for a long time for other reasons (fractured bones, illness involving bedriddenness, …), patients with a history of thrombosis or malignant disease, and patients with coagulation disorders.

Lung pain in the back

Lung pain in the back often occurs in cases of flu-like infections with a severe cough, as the cough puts a great deal of strain on the muscles, bones and nerves in the thorax region. In addition, an inflammation of the lung skin (pleuritis) can trigger back pain. However, it is not always pain really caused by the lungs that causes back pain. However, one should always think of a problem in the musculoskeletal system, for example: A definitive diagnosis can only be made by a doctor, so if the symptoms persist, a thorough medical clarification should be made.

Slipped disc
Muscular tensions,
Narrowing of the spinal canal,
Dislocated vertebrae
Or jammed nerves.