pain when i breathe in

[sue416]

For the past 3 1/2 days I have been experiencing pain under my left breast when I breathe in.  First I though it might be a gas pain and have been drinking lots of tea but this does not help.  I have been shovelling snow over the past 4 days.  Over the weekend I shovelled more snow than usual for very long periods and my back has been in pain.  The area on my back that hurts is directly behind the pain I have been feeling when I breathe in which is under my left breast.  Could I have strained a muscle?  Should i go to a doctor or will it go away on its own?

I am 35.

Thanks

[National Jewish Health]

Your pain could well be muscular, such as a strained muscle or ligament or even a fractured rib.  It could also be nerve root pain due to a collapsed vertebra or a herniated disc and the fact that your pain, as described, does follow the course of a couple intercostal nerves, which are located between the ribs.

However such pain could also result from a collapsed lung.  If you are still experiencing the pain, especially if it is undiminished, at the time you read this response, you should definitely seek medical attention, without delay.

Good luck.

[HelpinUtah]

I'm not a doctor of course, but my sister-in-law had something similar and she was diagnosed with pluresy.  Maybe go see your doctor?  Good luck!