Does pneumonia cause chest pain?

Pneumonia is an infection affecting the lung tissue. Pain may feel sharp and become worse when taking a deep breath or coughing. It can occur alongside cough, fever, tiredness, breathlessness or feeling generally unwell. Chest pain can also come from the heart, muscles, digestive system or other lung conditions, so the symptom alone cannot identify its cause. A clinician may listen to your chest and decide whether further tests are needed.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking or second-hand smoke while you recover. Use only medicines recommended for you, especially if you have kidney, liver, stomach or heart problems. If pneumonia has been diagnosed, take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and contact the treating clinician if symptoms worsen or do not begin to settle. Do not rely on leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent help for severe or sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or coughing blood. Emergency assessment is also needed when pain spreads to the arm, back, neck or jaw, or comes with sweating or nausea. If pain is mild but persistent with fever or cough, arrange prompt medical advice.

Could the pain be related to pneumonia or another cause? Do I need a chest examination or imaging? Which pain-relief options are safe with my medicines and health conditions? What change should prompt a review?