Left side chest pain when breathing
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Left Side Chest Pain When Breathing: Causes and Insights
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Athletes
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space without any apparent cause, leading to lung collapse. This condition can present with sharp, left-sided chest pain that worsens with inspiration. A case study of a 19-year-old track athlete revealed that the pain was exacerbated when lying on the left side and during deep breaths. Physical examination and imaging confirmed a 15% apical pneumothorax in the left hemithorax. Conservative treatment with close outpatient observation led to near-complete resolution within six days, allowing the athlete to resume full activity within three weeks1.
Acute Chest Pain in Healthy Adults
In otherwise healthy individuals, acute chest pain that worsens with breathing can be indicative of several conditions. A 39-year-old woman experienced acute left-sided chest pain, which was more pronounced during breathing. Despite normal physical examination, laboratory tests, and ECG, further imaging was necessary to determine the cause. Differential diagnoses included acute myocardial infarction, epipericardial fat necrosis, pneumonia, and pulmonary infarction. This highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic imaging in identifying the underlying cause of chest pain in healthy adults2.
Pulmonary Embolism and Pleuritic Chest Pain
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is another critical condition that can cause left-sided pleuritic chest pain, characterized by sudden onset and exacerbation with breathing. A 45-year-old man presented with such symptoms while playing golf. His medical history included atrial fibrillation treated with radiofrequency ablation. The sudden development of symptoms and the patient's history necessitated consideration of PE, which can lead to hypoperfusion in the lungs and significant respiratory distress3.
Conclusion
Left-sided chest pain that worsens with breathing can be caused by various conditions, including primary spontaneous pneumothorax, acute chest pain syndromes in healthy individuals, and pulmonary embolism. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and advanced imaging techniques. Early identification and appropriate management are crucial for optimal outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a track athlete.
A 19-year-old track athlete experienced a primary spontaneous pneumothorax, which resolved itself conservatively and allowed the athlete to return to light activity and full competition.
Case ReportA 39-year-old otherwise healthy female with acute chest pain
Clinical introduction An otherwise healthy 39-year-old female visited our emergency department because of acute chest pain worsening on breathing. The pain was more prominent on the left side of the thorax. Physical examination, routine laboratory testing and the ECG were normal. Troponin and d-dimer were in the normal range. Routine chest radiography and subsequently chest CT were performed (figure 1). Question What is the most likely cause of the acute chest pain? Acute myocardial infarction Epipericardial fat necrosis Pneumonia Pulmonary infarction For the question see page 540 For the answer see page 547
Case Report
Rigorous JournalA 45-year-old man with left lung hypoperfusion and possible pulmonary embolism.
A sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath while playing golf may indicate left lung hypoperfusion and a possible pulmonary embolism.
Case ReportMALES AND FEMALES
The patient developed blood-stained sputum after a post-operative procedure for a pulmonary infection, with partial collapse of the lower lobe of the left lung.
Case Report
Highly CitedA breathless man with diffuse chest pain
A 63-year-old man with a 20-pack year history of smoking had left sided diffuse chest pain, weight loss, and breathlessness, but no malignant cells or microbial growth was found in the pleural fluid.
Case ReportRigorous JournalAn Unusual Cause of Chest Pain and Dyspnea in an Elderly: Giant Intrathoracic Haital Hernia
A giant hiatal hernia can cause shortness of breath and chest pain in elderly patients, making it an unusual cause of these symptoms.
Case ReportPosttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia
Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a common cause of abdominal pain, breathlessness, and fever in patients with a history of blunt chest trauma.
Case ReportChest pain and neck discomfort in a young man
A chest radiograph showed abnormalities, but no abnormalities were found on a water soluble oral contrast swallow.
Case Report
Very Rigorous Journal