lung pain

I have been smoking marijuana for 4 years and for the last two years I have been a pretty heavy smoker.  I also for the past year smoke ciggarettes on a daily basis.  I have just recently been feeling a pain in the middle of my right lung and everytime I smoke a cigarette or marijuana it comes back and starts hurting for at least a half hour.  I am sixteen years old and this is kind of scaring me.  any possible information would be greatly appreciated.

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi Nate,
The right chest pain you describe needs investigation. If inhaling deeply increases the pain, then maybe you have "pleurisy" or inflammation of the lung covering. You should consult a doctor, and also get an x-ray of the chest done.
Another possible cause could be gastritis, although the site of this pain is typically more centrally located. Acid reflux is trigerred by smoking in many people.
Also, although I realize that it is easier said than done, I would strongly advice you to quit smoking cigarettes and marijuana.
Not only are they "uncool" in this day and age, they can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and serious health hazards.