What diseases can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, dyspnea, and chest tightness?
Apr 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Chest pain, dyspnea, shortness of breath, and chest tightness may be caused by lobar pneumonia, in which substantial lung lesions occur, reducing the surface area of the respiratory membrane; symptoms may arise when inflammation involves the pleura. They could also result from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which obstructs airflow in the airways, thereby decreasing oxygen intake. Alternatively, these symptoms may indicate pneumothorax, typically caused by a rupture in the parietal or visceral pleura, allowing gas to enter the pleural cavity.
Generally, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness may be caused by conditions such as lobar pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumothorax. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Lobar Pneumonia
Lobar pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection, leading to substantial lesions in parts of the lung lobes. This reduces the surface area of the respiratory membrane. When inflammation involves the pleura, symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, shortness of breath, and chest tightness may occur. Treatment may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime granules, or roxithromycin dispersible tablets, taken according to medical advice.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD may result from frequent exposure to harmful gases or particles, causing obstruction of airflow in the airways and reducing oxygen intake. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include salmeterol fluticasone aerosol, salbutamol aerosol, or formoterol fumarate tablets.
3. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax typically occurs when the parietal or visceral pleura ruptures, allowing gas to enter the pleural cavity. Treatment under medical supervision may include cefalexin capsules, levofloxacin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets.
In addition, these symptoms could also be caused by pulmonary embolism. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and undergo appropriate treatment.
