Sharp stabbing pain on left side under breast when breathing in...?

lle672 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 10:27 AM

...also when laughing, sneezing, moving or turning my upper body, laying on that side, burping...most people i've asked have said it is probably gas, but I've never heard of gas hurting when you apply pressure to the area like a bruise (which is what happens to me when I do that). The pain started yesterday and hasnt gone away. I developed a bit of a stuffed up nose and sore throat today, but nothing major. I am 22 years old and do not smoke. Any ideas/suggestions? I don't have health insurance and an unnecessary trip to the doctor would not be affordable for me. HELP!

Collinsville Cookie · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 04:56 AM

You may have some sort of lung problem associated with your cold...like maybe pluresy or pneumonia. Would you rather borrow a little money for a doctor visit, or would you like to be totally bankrupt by having to be hospitalized when you get worse? Go to the doctor, please.

Jaxxonz · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 07:32 AM

Maybe a respiratory infection, but I am no health professional. It sounds like there might be something wrong with a lung or it could possibly be a hernia in the diaphragm, who knows?

Benji A · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 03:18 AM

I had the same EXACT Pain. I went to the doctor and they told me that it was gas. This happens to me EVERY winter for some reason and goes away during the summer. Maybe it has to do with the cold weather.

medicpaige · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 11:10 PM

That sounds like pleurisy, which is trouble with the lubricant between your lungs and your chest wall. This typically resolves on its own but can develop into a bad infection. As long as you don't have a fever, trouble breathing (other than the quick stabbing pain in the same area) or flu-like symptoms I would not be too concerned.

Mach_RN · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 02:46 AM

Might be a god idea to go to the doctor for this one. Chest pain can be caused by a multitude of things. Although in your case you most likely have a chest infection (probably originating from your nose/throat) or could be an over stretched muscle (which will get better on its own). You should see a doctor particularly since its left sided chest pain, this is a typical symptom associated with the heart. If it is a chest infection it hurts when you breath because the lung tissue gets inflamed.If you really don't want to see a doctor then echinacea will help clear any infection and regualr fluids to keep you hydrated. Any more pain, shortness of breath, arm pain, nausea, jaw pain palpitations then see a doctor NOW.Chris- Registered Nurse