What Causes Sharp Pain On The Lower Left Side Related To Breathing?

Posted on Sun, 16 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a sharp pain on my lower left side when I take a deep breath.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Pleuritis Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query The sharp pain on the lower left side related to breathing is most likely to be due to pleuritis. Which is nothing but infection of the lining epithelium to the lungs. If it is not associated with breathlessness or fever then it is most likely to be due to a viral infection. Here is what you should do 1. Tab acetaminophen can be taken twice daily for the pain 2. Avoid strenuous exercises until you are better 3. If the pain increases I strongly recommend that you see a GP to get a chest x ray done 4. If you start getting fever tab levoflox would be the ideal drug for the treatment of pleuritis I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me. I wish you good health and a speedy recovery Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar