Lung pain is typically felt as discomfort or pain in the chest or upper to mid back area, near where the lungs are located within the rib cage. Although the lungs themselves have very few pain receptors, pain usually arises from inflammation or injury to the pleura-the membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity-or from surrounding muscles, bones, or nerves
. Where lung pain is felt:
- Upper to mid back, near the shoulder blades and spine
- Front of the chest, often on one side but sometimes both
- Pain may be sharp or feel like heavy pressure or tightness
- Pain can worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
Common causes of lung pain and their typical locations:
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura): Sharp pain in chest or back, worse with breathing
- Lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis): Chest pain often with cough, fever, and difficulty breathing
- Asthma: Tightness and pain in chest, sometimes felt in back
- Muscle strain or injury: Localized pain in chest or upper back, may mimic lung pain
- Lung cancer: Pain in chest or back due to tumor irritating pleura or surrounding tissues
Because lung pain can overlap with pain from heart, muscle, or bone conditions, any persistent or severe chest or back pain should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment
. In summary, lung pain is generally felt in the chest or upper/mid back area, often on one side, and is related to inflammation or injury of the lung lining or nearby structures rather than the lung tissue itself
