Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sharp Chest Pain Upon Breathing?

Jackson, age 65, comes to the doctor’s office complaining of a sharp pain in the right side of his chest. He says his chest hurts when he breathes deeply or coughs. This is a problem, he says, because he has been coughing a lot, has difficulty drawing breath, and feels a tightness in the center of his chest. What condition or conditions might the doctor suspect? What methods of diagnosis would the doctor use, and what specific signs would the doctor look for to pinpoint the cause?
posted on Thu, 5 Jul 2018
Twitter Wed, 11 Jul 2018 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 14 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

* Most common issues can be underlying respiratory infection in form of bronchitis, pneumonia or others.
* Method of diagnosis is usually lab tests with complete blood counts, sputum microscopy and x-ray chest.
* Specific signs the doctor look for pinpoint cause are
- increased respiratory rate, type of breathing on inspection.
-tenderness over particular intercostal spaces on palpation.
- type of breathing sound abnormalities and air entry on auscultation.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sharp Chest Pain Upon Breathing?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. * Most common issues can be underlying respiratory infection in form of bronchitis, pneumonia or others. * Method of diagnosis is usually lab tests with complete blood counts, sputum microscopy and x-ray chest. * Specific signs the doctor look for pinpoint cause are - increased respiratory rate, type of breathing on inspection. -tenderness over particular intercostal spaces on palpation. - type of breathing sound abnormalities and air entry on auscultation. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.