Why is there a pressing pain in my chest?

You likely feel a sharp pain when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. The most common causes of pleuritic chest pain are bacterial or viral infections, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. Other less common causes include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cancer.

Does angina hurt to touch chest?

Trouble swallowing. Pain that improves or worsens after changing your body position. Pain that gets worse with coughing or breathing deeply. Chest pain that is tender to the touch.

What is pericarditis disease?

Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding your heart (pericardium). Pericarditis often causes sharp chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. The chest pain occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other.

Does a pulmonary embolism feel like a pulled muscle?

PEs in the lungs can sometimes start out feeling like a pulled shoulder muscle. When you have a PE, the pain often makes it impossible to lie down to sleep.

Does pericarditis hurt to touch?

The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. This may develop suddenly and be experienced as a sharp, stabbing sensation behind the breastbone on the left side of the body. However, for some people there may be a constant, steady pain, or more of a dull ache or feeling of pressure.

Where does costochondritis hurt?

Costochondritis most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left-hand side of your body. Pain is often worst where the rib cartilage attaches to the breastbone (sternum), but it can also occur where the cartilage attaches to the rib.

What does pericarditis pain feel like?

Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some people have dull, achy or pressure-like chest pain. The pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest.

Why does my chest hurt when I Touch It?

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the thin lining of the chest wall that protects the lungs. There is fluid in between the pleura to assist with breathing. When this becomes inflamed, it can result in sharp chest pain. Pleurisy can be felt all over the chest when coughing or even just breathing.

What to do when you experience chest pain?

Costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the chest wall, is often the source of severe chest pain. Applying a cold pack several times a day to the affected area may help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Learn more: What are the differences between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD? »

When should I see a doctor for chest pain?

If you have a symptom like chest pain or severe weakness, or dizziness or nausea, and you feel that it’s a life threat, you should seek treatment right away. A patient with chest pain should be evaluated with x-rays and an EKG to give further evidence on the seriousness of the chest pain.

What to do when your chest hurts?

How to Treat Your Chest Pain. Your symptoms will often go away soon after you stop activity. If you are lying down, sit up in bed. Try deep breathing to help with the stress or anxiety. If you do not have nitroglycerin and your symptoms are not gone after resting for 5 minutes, call 9-1-1 right away.