That kind of chest pain — especially the "punched" feeling and the struggle to take a deep breath — is something many MyLupusTeam members have described. One member shared that pleurisy felt like "painful inspiration with dizziness and a shortness-of-breath feeling due to not wanting to take a deep breath." Sound familiar?
Show Full Answer
That kind of chest pain — especially the "punched" feeling and the struggle to take a deep breath — is something many MyLupusTeam members have described. One member shared that pleurisy felt like "painful inspiration with dizziness and a shortness-of-breath feeling due to not wanting to take a deep breath." Sound familiar?
Lung-related pain is actually very common with lupus, affecting around half of all people living with it. Here are some possible causes worth discussing with a doctor:
- Pleuritis (pleurisy) — Inflammation of the lining around the lungs, causing sharp pain that worsens with deep breaths, laughing, or coughing. This is the most common lung complication in lupus.
- Pleural effusion — Fluid buildup around the lungs, which can feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest.
- Pneumonitis — Inflammation of the lung tissue itself.
- Pulmonary hypertension — High blood pressure in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and fatigue.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause but can include NSAIDs, steroids, or antimalarial medications. Please don't wait on this one. Chest pain and difficulty breathing with lupus should always be reported to a doctor right away — it's really important to catch lung conditions early for the best outcome. If the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or pain spreading to your arm or jaw, go to the emergency room immediately.
June 21
Yes I'm currently experiencing this as well. Hang in there. ❤️
June 27
Yes, I have had costochondritis and pleurisy before. Please talk to your doctor about your experience with lung pain. We can experience inflammation in any of our organs, including our lungs.
June 27 (edited)
I have dislocated ribs a couple different times. This can cause chest pain and difficulty taking a deep breath.
June 27
Join
Your Privacy Choices
