What causes pain in the left chest area during deep breathing?
Pain in the left chest during deep breathing is commonly caused by rib fractures and costochondritis. Rib fractures are typically due to trauma, but may also occur as pathological fractures secondary to tumors.Costochondritis often results from viral infections, chronic strain of the ligaments surrounding the sternocostal joints, or nutritional impairment of the costal cartilage secondary to immune or endocrine disorders. It may also be associated with tuberculosis, systemic malnutrition, acute bacterial upper respiratory tract infections, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe coughing.
Infectious costochondritis usually arises via hematogenous spread and is frequently linked to postoperative infections following surgical procedures.Treatment for rib fractures generally involves external immobilization with a chest binder, oral analgesics, and avoidance of strenuous activity. Management of costochondritis includes oral analgesics, local heat application, or physical therapy.