What Causes Sharp Pain Right Side Of Chest While Inhaling?

Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : 14 yr old son sharp pain right side of chest when inhaling deeply

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely to be Pleuritic chest pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear XXXXXXX

In the absence of history of trauma and fever the cause of pain in right side of chest while taking deep breath is likely to be Pleuritic chest pain. Non specific inflammation of Pleura( covering of the lung) may present with such complaints.

I assume there is no other positive history like : Trauma, respiratory symptoms like cough, sputum and breathlessness. In the absence of such symptoms there is no cause to be concerned about.
I would advise you the following which will definitely help
1. Hot water fomentation to chest: Either by using towel soaked in hot water or hot water bag, intermittent application for 10 to 15 minutes each session 3 to 4 times a day will be sufficient
2. Steam inhalation: 15 minutes each session twice a day
3. Analgesic like Ibuprofen will be helpful.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T