Chest pain on one side when breathing
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Understanding Chest Pain on One Side When Breathing
Chest pain that occurs on one side when breathing can be alarming and may be caused by various underlying conditions. This article synthesizes findings from multiple case studies and research papers to provide a comprehensive overview of potential causes and considerations.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Spontaneous pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space causing lung collapse, is a notable cause of unilateral chest pain. A 19-year-old man presented with right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath, with no history of trauma or respiratory illness. His physical examination revealed a high respiratory rate and heart rate, indicative of respiratory distress. Similarly, an 18-year-old man experienced sudden right-sided chest pain followed by dyspnea and syncope, with decreased air entry on lung examination.
Clinical Presentation
Patients with spontaneous pneumothorax often present with acute onset of sharp, localized chest pain that worsens with breathing. The pain is typically accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnea and, in severe cases, syncope .
Musculoskeletal Causes
Trauma and Muscle Spasms
Chest pain can also result from musculoskeletal issues. A 29-year-old athlete experienced severe right-sided chest pain after a chest injury, which was initially diagnosed as muscle spasm. The pain was sharp and worsened with deep breaths, coughing, and sneezing. This highlights the importance of considering recent physical trauma or strain as potential causes of chest pain.
Menstrual-Related Pain
In some cases, chest pain may be linked to the menstrual cycle. A 33-year-old woman reported right-sided chest pain that intensified around her menstrual periods and when lying on her right side. Physical examination revealed diminished breath sounds and increased fremitus, suggesting a possible pleural or pulmonary cause.
Gastrointestinal and Esophageal Issues
Esophageal Microperforation
Gastrointestinal issues, such as esophageal microperforation, can also manifest as chest pain. A 64-year-old man presented with persistent right-sided chest pain exacerbated by breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Imaging revealed an encapsulated pleural effusion and a high-density material in the esophagus, indicating a microperforation likely caused by a foreign object.
Cardiovascular Considerations
Differential Diagnosis
While less common, cardiovascular issues should not be overlooked. A 39-year-old woman with left-sided chest pain worsening on breathing underwent extensive testing to rule out myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and pulmonary infarction. Her normal troponin and d-dimer levels, along with normal ECG and imaging, suggested a non-cardiac cause.
Conclusion
Unilateral chest pain when breathing can stem from various causes, including spontaneous pneumothorax, musculoskeletal injuries, menstrual-related pain, gastrointestinal issues, and less commonly, cardiovascular problems. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Understanding these potential causes can aid in timely and effective management of the condition.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic