How Pneumothorax Cause Chest Pain?

A collapsed lung occurs when air gets inside the chest cavity (outside the lung) and creates pressure against the lung. Also known as pneumothorax, collapsed lung is a rare condition that may cause chest pain and make it hard to breathe. A collapsed lung requires immediate medical care.

What kind of chest pain is associated with pneumothorax?

The typical symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the chest, which suddenly develops. The pain is usually made worse by breathing in (inspiration). You may become breathless. As a rule, the larger the pneumothorax, the more breathless you become.

Can a collapsed lung cause chest pain?

Symptoms of collapsed lung include sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens on breathing or with deep inhalation that often radiates to the shoulder and or back; and a dry, hacking cough. In severe cases a person may go into shock, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.