What causes chest pain when lying on the left side?

Question

Hello doctor,

I woke up with chest pain on my left side yesterday. When I breathe in, it feels like a stabbing pain. I do not feel it anymore when I am standing, walking, or breathing normally, but I do feel it when I lie on my left side, and it hurts a lot to breathe in that position.

Should I be worried, or will it go away on its own?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Based on what you are reporting, the pain sounds like musculoskeletal chest pain or pleuritic pain, and it is likely not heart-related, which is reassuring, especially considering your age and the pattern of symptoms.

You are 22 years old, which places you in a low-risk category for heart-related issues such as a heart attack. The pain is triggered by deep breathing and lying on your left side, but it is not present while walking, standing, or during general movement. The nature of the pain is sharp and stabbing rather than constant pressure. You also mentioned having experienced similar short-lasting episodes in the past.

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the rib cartilage. It is common in young people, causes sharp pain near the sternum or ribs, and worsens with pressure or movement, such as lying on one side.

Pleurisy, or pleuritic pain, involves inflammation of the lining of the lungs. It causes sharp pain when breathing in deeply or lying down and can follow a mild viral infection or muscle strain.

Intercostal muscle strain can be caused by coughing, poor posture, or twisting during sleep. The pain is localized and worsens with movement or pressure.

It is less likely but important to rule out (especially if symptoms worsen):

Pulmonary embolism: It is sudden breathlessness, sharp pain, cough, or leg swelling (not likely in your case unless symptoms evolve).
Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung would cause sudden, severe breathlessness, typically after trauma or spontaneously in some young adults.

I would like to tell you what you can do at home:

Avoid sleeping on the left side for now.
Apply a warm compress or take a mild painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
Try gentle stretching if you suspect a pulled muscle.
Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.

Please seek medical care urgently if you experience any of the following:

Difficulty breathing or worsening pain.
Pain that spreads to the jaw or arm or feels like pressure.
Dizziness, sweating, or fainting.
Fever or a persistent cough.

I hope this helps.