Skip to content 
Last updated on July 6th, 2024 at 01:22 pm
Are you experiencing Left-Hand Side Chest Pain When Coughing? This can be alarming and can cause you significant concern. The chest is a complex area of the body, and various factors can contribute to this discomfort. Understanding the potential causes of left-hand-side chest pain when coughing is essential for proper evaluation and appropriate management. In the segment below I will delve into the possible reasons behind this symptom and shed light on when you need to seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Left-hand Side Chest Pain When Coughing
1. Muscle Strain:
Coughing can exert significant pressure on the chest muscles. In some cases, excessive or forceful coughing can strain the intercostal muscles, which are situated between the ribs. This strain can cause localized pain on the left side of your chest.
2. Costochondritis:
Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). If the cartilage on the left side becomes inflamed, it can lead you to sharp or stabbing chest pain when coughing.
3. Respiratory Infections:
Infections in the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can cause your left-hand side chest pain when coughing. The inflammation and irritation in the airways can intensify during coughing, resulting in discomfort or pain to you.
4. Pleurisy:
Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleura, a thin membrane covering the lungs and chest cavity. When this inflammation occurs on the left side, coughing can exacerbate the pain due to increased friction between your pleural layers.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues:
Gastrointestinal problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause chest pain on the left-hand side. Acid reflux, in particular, can trigger a burning sensation or discomfort, which may worsen when coughing.
6. Heart-related Issues:
While left-sided chest pain isn’t the most common symptom of a heart attack, it’s important to rule out cardiac issues, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, radiating pain, or a feeling of pressure in your chest.
7. Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Conditions such as scoliosis or a herniated disc in the thoracic spine can sometimes manifest as left-side chest pain during coughing due to pressure or irritation on nearby structures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
When you experience chest pain, especially when coughing, you should promptly get a careful assessment by a healthcare professional. You need to seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following:
- Sudden, severe chest pain: If the chest pain is intense, feels crushing, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help as it could indicate a heart attack or other serious condition.
- Radiating pain: Chest pain that radiates to the jaw, arm, or back could be a sign of a heart-related issue and requires immediate medical evaluation.
- Associated symptoms: If you experience dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, or a feeling of impending doom along with chest pain, seek emergency care.
- Persistent or worsening pain: If the chest pain persists or worsens, especially if it interferes with daily activities or is unrelated to coughing, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sharp pain in the left side of chest that comes and goes
A sharp pain in the left side of the chest that comes and goes could be due to various factors, some of which might not be directly related to the heart. It may result from musculoskeletal issues like muscle strain or rib injuries, respiratory problems like pleurisy, acid reflux or gastrointestinal discomfort, or even anxiety. However, due to the potential seriousness of cardiac issues, particularly if the pain is sudden, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation to rule out heart-related problems and ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Left side chest pain when lying down at night
Experiencing left-side chest pain when lying down at night could be due to various factors, including acid reflux, muscle strain, or musculoskeletal issues. However, this particular symptom should be taken seriously, as it might also be related to cardiac concerns like angina or heart disease. If the pain is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or radiating discomfort, it is essential for you to seek immediate medical evaluation to rule out potential heart-related issues and ensure the appropriate diagnosis and management.
When should I worry about left-side chest pain?
You should not worry about left-side chest pain. You should remain calm and seek medical attention when it is sudden, severe, or persistent, especially if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, radiating pain to the arm or jaw, dizziness, or cold sweats. These signs could indicate a potentially serious cardiac issue, such as a heart attack. Chest pain that occurs during physical exertion, feels crushing or squeezing or is associated with risk factors for heart disease should also raise concern. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation in these situations to rule out heart-related problems and ensure a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
How do you heal left-side chest pain?
Healing left-side chest pain depends on its underlying cause. If it’s musculoskeletal, rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help you. If due to acid reflux, dietary and lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms. If the pain is cardiac, treatment may include medications or medical procedures. However, always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of the pain and receive the most appropriate treatment based on your specific diagnosis and medical history.
Should I ignore left chest pain?
Left chest pain should not be ignored, particularly if it is sudden, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, radiating pain, dizziness, or cold sweats. While many left-sided chest pains may have non-cardiac causes like muscle strain or acid reflux, some could be signs of a serious heart condition, including a heart attack. Ignoring these symptoms could have potentially life-threatening consequences, so it’s crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation to rule out heart-related issues and ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Remember!
Left-side chest pain when coughing can have various causes, ranging from muscle strain to potential respiratory or cardiac issues. It’s important to pay attention to associated symptoms, the nature of the pain, and its intensity. Seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment is crucial to ensure your overall health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about chest pain or any related symptoms.
