Pleurisy?????

[kid10012]

So I notice that all of the texts mention that Pleurisy causes sharp pain upon taking a deep breath. However they don't mention if its each deep breath or one every a couple of hours. I have no pain when sleeping or laying down nor while exercising; however, every now and again I will get a sharp pain when I take a breath. The pain is almost never in the same spot on my chest.

Any ideas?

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
Pleurisy simply means inflammation of the lining of the lung. This can occur due to various reasons such as infection, immune disease, malignancy.
The pain is a function of how severe the inflammation is. The more severe the inflammation, the less movement (meaning even shallow breaths may be painful). So, for some, only the deep breaths elicit pain.
Not all pain associated with breathing has an underlying inflammation of the pleura (the lining of the lung and the cavity created by the rib cage). Pain within the muscle groups (due to trauma, vigorous exercise) of the chest can become painful when taking a deep breath. If doesn't occur in the same spot - then it is possible that different muscle groups over the chest and upper back are affected.
It would be more important if you could define where the pain
occurs and if it is associated with other things like movement of the shoulders/arms/ and neck. It would be a lot easier if you were being examined by the doctor because you could simply point where the discomfort is. You should also discuss how long the attacks last, what you do relieve the pain, whether certain body positions favor pain or the converse.

[dani3]

i have a sharp pain in my upper right back. it doesnt hurt too bad when i breath in deep but i can feel it.when i move my right shoulder back (as if i were going to throw a baseball) it hurts soo bad i cant hardly breath. any ideas?! i dont want to have to go to the E.R :(