Warning Signs of Lung Disease
Unexplained chest pain that lasts for a month or more — especially if it gets worse during inhalation or cough — can be a warning sign of a serious condition. This pain could be sharp or dull. Many people describe it as discomfort, tightness, pressure, burning or aching. Chest pain may be caused by COPD, lung disease or cancer. It may also be caused by pleurisy (an inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs) or pericarditis (an inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart).
If you are experiencing any chronic chest pain, consult your doctor.
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Review Date:
May 27, 2015Citation:
Merck Manual, "Chest Pain" Mayo Clinic, "Chest Pain Causes" Mayo Clinic, "Chest Pain Symptoms" Mayo Clinic, "Coughing Up Blood Causes" Mayo Clinic, "Shortness of Breath" Mayo Clinic, "Shortness of Breath Causes" American Lung Association, "Warning Signs of Lung Disease" Mayo Clinic, "Wheezing" Mayo Clinic, "Wheezing Causes" Mayo Clinic, "Chronic Cough Causes" Mayo Clinic, "Chronic Cough" American Lung Association, "Knowing the Basics" Kids Health, " Lungs & Respiratory System Basics" EPA, "How Many Breaths Do You Take Each Day?" Women's Health, "Lung disease fact sheet" American Lung Association, "Warning Signs of Lung Disease" Image courtesy of Wave Break Media Ltd | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Maglyvi | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Samotrebizan | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Blue Ring Media Pty Ltd | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Ayeletkeshet | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Miriam Doerr | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Hriana | Dreamstime.com
Last Updated:
May 27, 2015