A twinge in the lungs is not a disease in its own right, but a symptom that can be attributed to numerous causes. Since the lungs are in direct communication with the outside world through breathing, both internal and external influences can be responsible for the discomfort.
What is stinging in the lungs?
If a twinge in the lungs occurs, it is usually based on a disease. If a twinge occurs in the lungs, there is usually a disease underlying it. Although the pulmonary pleura is insensitive to pain, lung pain can originate from the surrounding lung tissue or the bronchi. These are not infrequently accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest, increased sweating and dizziness. Shortness of breath may also occur along with the twinge that is perceived as unpleasant. The causes of the discomfort can be harmless and quickly cured. Under certain circumstances, however, a serious disease may be responsible. Medical therapy is almost always necessary to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further progression of the existing disease. A visit to the doctor is therefore always advisable when a twinge occurs in the lungs.
Causes
Since the stinging in the lungs is always only a symptom of a disease, the cause of the discomfort must be found. Often, a flu-like infection or mild bronchitis is enough to cause the stabbing pain. Numerous viruses and bacteria that can be absorbed through the respiratory tract can be responsible for the infection, as can certain molds. Pneumonia, which affects particularly debilitated individuals, also causes the typical stabbing chest pain. Allergies and asthma are other common causes of stabbing pain in the lung area. Under certain circumstances, hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis or injuries to the chest and abdomen can also affect the lungs and cause discomfort. Last but not least, lung cancer causes a decrease in breathing volume and eventually pain, but often only in advanced stages.
Diseases with this symptom
- Bronchitis
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Common cold
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchial asthma
- Allergy
Diagnosis and course
If a patient with a twinge in the lungs visits a doctor, the doctor will first listen to the lungs, in addition to a detailed conversation and a consideration of lifestyle habits. An X-ray examination may provide information about any changes in the lung tissue. A bronchoscopy may be performed, during which some tissue is removed and then examined in the laboratory. A blood test may also provide information about certain diseases. The course depends largely on the type of underlying disease. Mild bronchitis usually heals on its own, while diseases such as asthma, allergies or pneumonia can become life-threatening in the worst case. Cancer of the lung that progresses untreated is also potentially fatal. Injuries to the chest and abdomen also require treatment, otherwise they can affect and damage internal organs.
Complications
Provided the twinge in the lungs is due to a cold, there is a risk that it will escalate. If an initially harmless cough is carried over, it can develop into acute bronchitis. In these cases, the entire ear, nose and throat area becomes inflamed. The pharynx, nose and sinuses, as well as the mucous membranes of the mouth, are usually particularly severely affected. If the disease is not brought under control, it can lead to further complications and eventually develop into chronic bronchitis. This is accompanied by increased coughing and even more sputum. If the underlying disease causing the stabbing pain was a cold caused by bacterial pathogens such as streptococci or pneumococci, pneumonia may develop. The course of the disease then worsens within a few hours. High fever and severe chills are the most common complications.If the stabbing pain in the lungs is due to COPD, a chronic disease of the lungs characterized by inflamed and permanently narrowed airways, a number of complications are likely. The lungs may lose elasticity, usually resulting in an increase in residual volume. In the next stage, the so-called Euler-Liljestrand reflex develops, which in turn may be the precursor to pulmonary heart disease.
When should you see a doctor?
Stabbing pain in the lungs does not always have a pathological cause. Therefore, it should be observed when the twinge occurs to decide whether or not to see a doctor. A twinge in this organ can be harmless and does not necessarily require medical attention. The pain may be caused by improper breathing during physical exertion. If this symptom occurs during exercise, the pace should be reduced. Deep and even breaths can also help. If the twinge does not disappear after a short time or if it occurs with unusual frequency, a medical professional should be consulted to be on the safe side. In any case, a doctor should be consulted if the discomfort does not subside or intensifies. If the pain persists for several days to weeks regardless of physical activity, a doctor should clarify the causes as soon as possible. If the twinge in the lungs occurs even without physical exertion, the affected person should definitely see a doctor. If the pain occurs in combination with breathing difficulties, he should lose no time and make an appointment immediately. It is possible that accidents and falls trigger the pain in the lungs. In this case, a rib may be damaged. Again, it is advisable to consult a medical professional.
Treatment and therapy
Once the attending physician has discovered the condition behind the twinge in the lungs, he or she can initiate appropriate therapy. If it is an infection, depending on the trigger, antibiotics may be administered, for example, to weaken the infection and kill the bacteria. In the case of an allergy, the cause of the allergic reaction must first be determined. If this is consciously avoided, unpleasant symptoms such as the stinging in the lungs will also not occur. Asthma patients need an emergency spray to use in case of shortness of breath and stabbing pain. If lung cancer has been diagnosed, it is usually treated with chemotherapy. In this, the cancer cells are specifically prevented from growing with drugs, which prevents the disease from progressing. In some cases, surgery is also required to remove the damaged areas of the lung. In some cases, a twinge in the lung area can also be attributed to cardiovascular disease, in which pulmonary edema can form. In this case, it is important to monitor heart function closely and prevent fluid from collecting in the lungs. Stabilization of the general condition in this case can reduce the symptoms and significantly improve the condition of the affected person. Because appropriate therapy can be life-saving in some circumstances, a prompt visit to the physician is urgently required if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Outlook and prognosis
It is imperative that a physician be consulted if a twinge occurs in the lungs. In the long run, the symptom can cause great harm to the body and should therefore be examined by a doctor. Besides the twinge itself, there are usually breathing problems. The patient suffers from shortness of breath and also increased coughing. The stinging in the lungs can also spread to other parts of the body. These include mainly the back and the head. In most cases, the stinging in the lungs is not long-lasting and disappears after a short time. Often it occurs only as an accompanying symptom of the flu or a cold and is only a harmless symptom. It is treated either with the help of painkillers or other medications that soothe and warm the throat and pharynx. Surgical intervention is usually not necessary. If the stinging in the lungs occurs especially in smokers when they cough, they should refrain from smoking. This may also be the formation of a tumor. However, the further course of cancer strongly depends on the severity of the symptom.
Prevention
A twinge in the lungs can be effectively prevented in some cases.A healthy lifestyle that avoids risk factors such as smoking can protect against serious illnesses. With a well-functioning immune system supported by a balanced diet and sufficient exercise, unpleasant infections can often be avoided. Cardiovascular diseases can also be prevented in this way. Allergy sufferers should avoid the symptom-triggering substances if possible and thus ensure rapid relief of the symptoms. Hereditary diseases and more serious injuries, such as those caused by accidents, can of course not be ruled out in this way.
What you can do yourself
A twinge in the lungs can have many causes. If this symptom occurs more frequently or very violently, a doctor should be consulted without fail, as an underlying life-threatening disease may be hidden behind it. Short, violent stinging in the upper body, which is located in the lungs and occurs after heavy physical confirmation, is usually harmless, but a sign of overload. Those who do physical work should first check their techniques for lifting and carrying heavy objects. Athletes should take this as a sign to increase their workload more slowly. If the stabbing pain in the lungs is caused by a severe cold cough, the affected person can also help to alleviate his or her own suffering. Warmth and bed rest are helpful during a cold. The affected person can also consume expectorant herbal tea or fight the cold with salt water or chamomile tea steam baths. Hot tub baths can also alleviate the effects of a cold. In cases of severe upper respiratory diseases or acute pneumonia, all self-therapy measures should be refrained from and the doctor’s instructions should be strictly followed. In cases of smoker’s cough, the affected should immediately begin nicotine withdrawal. Professional support from a psychologist facilitates cessation and increases the chances of success in permanent withdrawal.
