Pain that gets worse with each breath or with a deep breath may be caused by a respiratory or chest wall problem. Chest pain related to a respiratory problem is often caused by coughing. Ongoing or violent coughing can strain the muscles or ligaments of the chest wall or even break ribs. When muscles and ligaments are strained, even normal breathing may cause mild chest pain. The entire chest may ache and pain may increase with coughing. The pain often goes away when you stop coughing.

Pain from coughing may cause rapid, shallow breathing, but it does not cause true shortness of breath. True shortness of breath is a feeling that you can't get enough air or that you are being smothered. If your chest pain is caused by coughing, see the topic Coughs in Related Information.

Pain that occurs with breathing

Pain that gets worse with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing may be caused by a problem in or around the lungs, such as:

• Chest wall pain.
• An infection in the lung (pneumonia).
• Inflammation of the lining of the lung (pleurisy).
• A collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
• A blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolus).

These conditions most likely will need medical treatment, so evaluation by your health professional is needed.

If you are having shortness of breath and symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.