Why does pneumonia cause chest pain?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames part of the lung. The tissue covering the lung and inner chest wall can become sensitive; pain from this area may feel sharp and become more noticeable with a deep breath or cough. Frequent coughing can also leave the chest wall sore or tender to movement.

Chest Pain is a common presentation of Pneumonia. Chest pain has many possible causes, including heart, lung, digestive and muscle problems, so it should not be assumed to have one explanation without assessment.

If you have been diagnosed with pneumonia, follow the treatment plan given by your clinician and take medicines as directed. Rest, fluids if you can drink safely, and avoiding smoke may support recovery. Note whether the pain changes with breathing, coughing, movement or lying down, and whether breathlessness is increasing.

Contact the clinician looking after you if symptoms are not settling as expected, you cannot keep fluids or medicines down, or a new symptom develops. They may need to reassess the infection, your breathing and the cause of the pain.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden or severe chest pain, trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, coughing blood, or pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder. These symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of whether you think you have pneumonia.

Ask what may be causing the pain in your case, how to monitor your breathing at home, whether activity needs to change, and which symptoms should lead you to seek urgent help.