Common Lung Conditions Manifesting as Chest Pain

Chest discomfort doesn't always indicate a heart problem; it can originate from various other causes. Besides cardiac issues, several lung-related factors can produce right-sided chest pain. These may include infections, injuries, or lung conditions. Lung-related causes are frequently responsible for chest discomfort on the right side. Such pulmonary issues can present as different types of chest pain, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some lung conditions that can lead to chest pain:

Pleuritis: Inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs can cause pleuritis, also called pleurisy. It often results in sharp pain during coughing, sneezing, or breathing. Viral and bacterial infections, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax are common causes. Less common causes include autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or even cancer.

Pneumonia or lung abscess: These conditions frequently cause persistent chest pain. They may develop suddenly without noticeable warning signs. Symptoms generally include fever, chills, cough, and expectoration of pus.

Pulmonary embolism: When a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and blocks a lung artery, it causes a pulmonary embolism. Key signs are right-sided chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes fever or shock. It often occurs after venous thrombosis, prolonged immobility, or post-surgical recovery.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus, leading to chest burning, sour taste, and sometimes vomiting. Contributing factors include smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and consumption of spicy or fatty foods. Because the heart and esophagus are close, GERD symptoms can mimic cardiac chest pain.