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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Burning / Pressure Sensation in Left Lung
Answered by
CO
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Burning / Pressure Sensation in Left Lung
by redlime, Jul 08, 2008 03:56PM
Just cursious, what could cause burning /pressure sensation in left lung? Hx. smoker. Had chest xray last week which was clear and was started on zpak, antiboditics since I had an elevated wbc. Pcp feels like my shoulder muscle was pulled causing the burning sensation. I have almost completed zpk and antibotics with no relief of feeling of pressure/burning to left lung (felt mostly in lower portion of lung). I haven't ran a temp., produced any sputum or had shortness of breath (sats 98% on ra). Also burning pain extends up into left upper arm. No other medical hx. My left lung almost feels like it is over - inflated. The burning sensation does not increase on inspiration or expiration. Its just a constant. Hope you can give me some direction . thanks
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Jul 09, 2008 05:20PM
, Jul 09, 2008 05:20PM
There are a number of causes of the "burning sensation" you have experienced, including "heartburn" due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and, especially when related to exertion, coronary artery disease. Your pain is really not suggestive of the latter. Nor is it pleurisy.
The most likely cause of this sensation, as your primary care provider (PCP) suggests, is musculoskeletal or the pain of neuritis, the latter caused by either compression or stretching of the nerves that serve the involved burning areas. It should be treated as such. The compression could occur anywhere, from where the nerves emerge from the spine to the more peripheral nerves.
One final thought. In the early stages of herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, one may experience pain up to 96 hours before the skin lesions appear.
The most likely cause of this sensation, as your primary care provider (PCP) suggests, is musculoskeletal or the pain of neuritis, the latter caused by either compression or stretching of the nerves that serve the involved burning areas. It should be treated as such. The compression could occur anywhere, from where the nerves emerge from the spine to the more peripheral nerves.
One final thought. In the early stages of herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, one may experience pain up to 96 hours before the skin lesions appear.
