Can emphysema cause left shoulder pain?
Disease description:
My grandfather previously had emphysema. Recently, he has started experiencing pain in his left shoulder. Can emphysema cause left shoulder pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xiao Ning
Emphysema generally does not cause left shoulder pain. Emphysema primarily causes respiratory-related symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, sputum production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some patients may experience accompanying symptoms, mainly including headache, mental confusion, decreased appetite, and general fatigue; severe cases may present with signs of acidosis. If left shoulder pain occurs, it may indicate a rupture of emphysematous lung tissue leading to pneumothorax.
