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What Causes Pain Under Left Breast While Taking A Deep Breath?
Question: Last week I was sick and vomiting for a few days and I started having pain directly under my left breast. The pain comes and goes and recently it is hurting when I take a deep breath. I'm just wondering what would cause this pain when I take a deep breath. Thanks
Brief Answer:
may be pleuritis/pleurisy, treated with anti inflammatory pain killers
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Pain on taking a deep breath may be related to: (1) pleuritis/pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura which is a lining around the lungs).
This can be due to different causes including viral infection. It is treated with the use of anti inflammatory pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac. One of these can be used.
This may be the more likely cause.
In some persons the pleurisy may be associated with more serious conditions but viral infection is common.
(2)pericarditis - inflammation of the pericardium which is the lining around the heart
This would be associated with pain on lying flat/ swallowing/coughing. Pain decreased when leaning forward when sitting.
(3)costochondritis which is inflammation of the cartilage between the sternum and ribs. This however would be associated persisting pain and there would also be tenderness of the sternum.
Treated with anti inflammatory pain killers
Your doctor can assess to determine which is more likely
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be pleuritis/pleurisy, treated with anti inflammatory pain killers
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Pain on taking a deep breath may be related to: (1) pleuritis/pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura which is a lining around the lungs).
This can be due to different causes including viral infection. It is treated with the use of anti inflammatory pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac. One of these can be used.
This may be the more likely cause.
In some persons the pleurisy may be associated with more serious conditions but viral infection is common.
(2)pericarditis - inflammation of the pericardium which is the lining around the heart
This would be associated with pain on lying flat/ swallowing/coughing. Pain decreased when leaning forward when sitting.
(3)costochondritis which is inflammation of the cartilage between the sternum and ribs. This however would be associated persisting pain and there would also be tenderness of the sternum.
Treated with anti inflammatory pain killers
Your doctor can assess to determine which is more likely
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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