HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

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 While Sneezing?

I am a 28 year old male, 5'8'', 160 pounds. Whenever I sneeze there is an immediate, intense, and sharp pain on the left side of my chest that I believe is derived from my heart. This has been an ongoing problem for many years. I was on beta blockers for a short time last year to help with heart palpitations, but I quit taking them because I ran out. I also was taken to the hospital 9 years ago for severe chest pains. I have a 5 year history of frequent marijuana use, although I have not smoked in 3 months. I also had a 6 month period of time when I used cocaine heavily, but I have not used cocaine in 4 years. I was a pack-and-a-half a day smoker for about 6 years, but I have given up cigarettes, as well. I still dip snuff 5 or 6 times a day. I take hydrocodone for knee and joint pain about twice a week. I am worried that the sharp chest pains I feel when I sneeze could soon lead to a major health issue. How can I prevent this pain from reoccurring?
Wed, 13 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are having history of cigarette smoking, Marijuana smoking, snuffing etc, we should definitely look for lung diseases for your symptoms.
Chest pain on sneezing can be seen in pleurisy (inflammation of pleura) and pleurisy is commonly due to lung infection and bronchitis.
So get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. Chest x ray to rule out lung infection.
3. PFT (pulmonary function test) for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
If both these are normal then no need to worry for lung diseases.
Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can cause similar kind of pain.
So apply warm water pad on affected areas. Avoid movements causing pain.
Don't worry, you will be alright. But first rule out lung pathology.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
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


Recent questions on Hydrocodone


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sharp Chest Pain While Sneezing?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Since you are having history of cigarette smoking, Marijuana smoking, snuffing etc, we should definitely look for lung diseases for your symptoms. Chest pain on sneezing can be seen in pleurisy (inflammation of pleura) and pleurisy is commonly due to lung infection and bronchitis. So get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Chest x ray to rule out lung infection. 3. PFT (pulmonary function test) for the diagnosis of bronchitis. If both these are normal then no need to worry for lung diseases. Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can cause similar kind of pain. So apply warm water pad on affected areas. Avoid movements causing pain. Don t worry, you will be alright. But first rule out lung pathology. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.