Differential Diagnosis for Chest Pain on the Left Side while Deep Breathing
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pleurisy: This condition, which is inflammation of the pleura (the two-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity), is a common cause of sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing. The pain is typically localized to one side of the chest.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs that can cause pain on one side of the chest, especially when taking deep breaths. The pain is often accompanied by fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Pulmonary Embolism (small): While not always immediately life-threatening, smaller pulmonary emboli can cause chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, among other symptoms like shortness of breath.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone can cause sharp pains on either side of the chest, which may worsen with deep breathing or movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (large): A large clot in the lungs can be immediately life-threatening. Symptoms can include sudden onset of chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, severe shortness of breath, and potentially loss of consciousness.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although typically associated with pain in the center of the chest, a heart attack can sometimes cause pain that is perceived on one side of the chest. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, severe chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, along with shortness of breath. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lung Cancer: While less common as an initial presentation, lung cancer can cause chest pain due to tumor growth or metastasis to the chest wall or pleura.
- Tuberculosis: This infection can cause chronic inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, among other symptoms like chronic cough and weight loss.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: In patients with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause episodes of severe pain, including chest pain, due to sickling of red blood cells in the lungs.