Pain in the left side when breathing in

Pain is always a sign of trouble, especially if it is felt over a long period of time or repeated several times. Pain in the left side when inhaling is not a specific clinical manifestation inherent in any one pathology. It can indicate many conditions, some of which require emergency intervention, especially if the pain is acute. However, everyone's sensitivity to pain is different, so in any case, you should consult a doctor and find out the origin of this symptom.

Causes left flank pain on inhalation

The concept of "side" is quite elastic. It can be attributed to both the upper and lower parts of the body. Pain on the side, felt when inhaling on the left side at the top, makes you think, first of all, about problems with the heart, lungs, the main respiratory muscle - the diaphragm. If it hurts in the lower part, it usually means a pathology of the digestive, excretory or genital organs. An attack of pain or painful colic when inhaling can be felt in the left side with many chronic diseases and injuries of the internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. In addition, such pain can accompany acute conditions that require immediate assistance, for example, myocardial infarction, pneumothorax, ruptured spleen. They can be one of the symptoms of an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, which, of course, should not be ignored, but the speed of diagnosis in this case is not decisive for saving the patient's life.

Risk factors for pain in the left side when inhaling are very diverse. These can be excessive physical exertion, bad habits, poor posture, excess weight, pregnancy, frequent constipation, nutritional errors, acute and chronic diseases of internal organs. Even tight underwear or a banal acute respiratory viral infection can provoke the appearance of this symptom.

So, if you have a sharp pain only when you inhale, but you can find a position in which there will be no pain if you breathe carefully and shallowly, then most likely it is intercostal neuralgia. In this case, there is a compression of the nerve endings by the vertebrae, slightly changing their location due to degenerative changes that occurred in the intervertebral discs, the pathogenesis of which could be triggered by any metabolic disorder in the fibrocartilaginous tissue. The manifestation in the form of neuralgia could arise against the background of inadequate loads on the spine - sometimes sharp, and more often - uneven, and such distribution occurs for a long time. At risk are people with poorly developed muscular-ligamentous apparatus - leading a sedentary lifestyle, with excess weight, chronic metabolic disorders. As a result, after examination, most are found to have osteochondrosis and other inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spinal column.

Muscle spasm – increased tone of certain parts of the back muscles can manifest as pain in the left side, increasing with inhalation and practically subsiding at rest in a certain position. Most often, it is caused by a complication of the same osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis, hernias, etc.) or myofascial syndrome, compression or, much more often, reflex, associated with muscle strain and irritation, as a result, of pain receptors in the discs, joints and ligaments of the spinal column. [ 1 ]

The above causes most often cause severe pain syndrome, are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms and do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life. However, they should not be ignored, as this can lead to further deformations of the vertebral structures, muscle stiffening and significant limitation of mobility.

Quite often, pain in the left side when inhaling is a manifestation of the initial stage of the pathological process of diaphragmatic hernia - the displacement of organs (part of the esophagus, stomach) from the abdominal cavity to the chest through an enlarged natural or abnormal opening in the diaphragm. The likelihood of a hernia increases in people with more elastic muscle tissue of the diaphragm, with regular intense exercise, and excess weight. A risk factor for the development of a hernia can even be pregnancy, which increases the pressure on the diaphragm. [ 2 ]

The development of a left-sided subdiaphragmatic abscess may manifest itself as pain in the left side, which intensifies when inhaling. Such a complication may be a consequence of operations on the digestive organs, thoracoabdominal trauma, inflammatory processes of the abdominal organs, lungs, in which the spread of purulent infection to the subdiaphragmatic region occurs. [ 3 ]

Cardiological diseases – various forms of ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm are quite likely causes of this symptom.

The intensity of pain increases with inhalation in pathological processes in the lower respiratory tract. Especially dangerous are cases of left-sided pneumonia complicated by pleurisy, isolated pleurisy. This symptom may indicate the initial stage of left-sided pneumothorax - a condition when air enters and accumulates in the pleural cavity of the left lung. Pneumothorax can be a consequence of many pathological processes in the body, and in addition - be iatrogenic. Spontaneous air entry occurs with significant changes in atmospheric pressure - in thin air, at great depth; it can be a consequence of injury or a sharp increase in load. [ 4 ]

Pain in the left side when taking a deep breath is a fairly typical symptom of tuberculosis of the left lung, and even in an advanced stage. [ 5 ]

After bruises and blows to the left side of the chest, noticeable pain on the side when breathing deeply, changing position (bending, turning) appears if there are rib fractures or soft tissue damage (internal hematomas, ruptures).

Conditions called "acute abdomen" may present as pain in the left side that gets worse when breathing in. They require fairly rapid diagnosis and often urgent surgical intervention. These include:

• rupture of the spleen, which is often caused by trauma to the left-sided peritoneum under the ribs or slightly below, sometimes minor (the organ's enlargement, plethora, and loose structure predispose it to rupture); the presence of a hematoma can provoke a rupture even when coughing, sneezing, straining, or making an unsuccessful turn; [ 6 ]
• acute pancreatitis – mainly arising against the background of gastronomic and alcoholic excesses; [ 7 ]
• acute pyelonephritis, which often complicates viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections of the genitourinary tract, and in people with reduced immunity – respiratory infections; [ 8 ]
• acute diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon is an inflammatory complication of diverticular disease (multiple saccular protrusions of the intestinal walls); [ 9 ]
• abnormally located acute appendicitis;
• painful form of apoplexy of the left ovary. [ 10 ]

This symptom may indicate chronic forms of the conditions listed above and other diseases, so if pain in the left side when inhaling bothers you regularly, you should definitely undergo an examination.

Epidemiology

Statistics show that pathological conditions that cause complaints of pain in the side when inhaling are common in general medical practice. It is believed that more than half of the world's population suffers from osteochondrosis of the spine, ischemic heart disease is an epidemically significant disease, respiratory diseases are very common among adults and children. Other causes of pain in the left side when inhaling are also not very rare, so everyone can experience discomfort of this kind more than once. In addition to pain, any pathology has a number of other manifestations that can suggest the direction of the search.

Symptoms

First, let's look at cases where pain in the left side when inhaling is practically the only symptom that attracts attention (non-specific pain).

The first signs of intercostal neuralgia are a sharp, shooting pain in the left side when taking a deep breath. It may go away if you freeze in a certain position and do not breathe, or it may remain, just become less intense. The pain syndrome is usually felt along the ribs. It intensifies from an unsuccessful movement, bending over, attempts to inhale deeply. The pain is often paroxysmal. The duration of an attack depends on the degree of nerve compression and can last from several seconds to several minutes. Pain in neuralgia is not relieved by cardiac drugs, such as nitroglycerin. At the moment of an attack of pain, the patient takes a forced position, leaning to the right and thus trying to reduce the pressure on the nerve roots, increasing the distance between the ribs. If neuralgia and its causes are not treated, the attacks will become more frequent, the pain will become constant, limiting the ability to perform certain movements.

Pain when inhaling in the left side at the back may be a symptom of myofascial syndrome (spasm) of the large round muscle. If the pain is localized clearly on the side in the upper part of the torso, radiates forward, under the shoulder blade and spreads along the inner surface of the left hand to the end of the fingers, then the scalene muscles are stiff. The areas of small spasmodic muscles become denser and react very painfully to touch. The sore spot may be slightly edematous, sometimes even the color of the skin on it changes. In advanced and complex cases, vegetative symptoms join the pain with myofascial syndrome - dizziness, nausea, stiffness in the morning, insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, etc.

The first warning about the development of neoplasms of organs localized in the left side of the body, hernia, osteoporosis or osteoarthrosis of the spine, stenosis of the spinal canal, inflammation of the paravertebral muscles or costal cartilages can be pain in the left side, which appears with deep inhalations and exhalations.

Pain in the left side when inhaling may indicate the initial stages of a diaphragmatic hernia. At the very beginning, the displacement of organs into the opening occurs periodically, usually after eating, when doing physical work, coughing, taking a deep breath, sneezing. On an empty stomach, a person usually does not experience any discomfort at first. Pain appears in the upper part of the body (they can be mistaken for pulmonary-cardiac), and in the lower part, perceived as gastrointestinal. At a later stage, a nagging pain will be felt constantly, intensifying at the moment of inhalation, other loads. In addition to pain, heartburn, belching, and sometimes vomiting may appear. Rumbling and gurgling sounds will periodically appear in the abdomen.

The development of a subdiaphragmatic abscess in the initial stages is manifested by symptoms of systemic intoxication - weakness, fever, and later pain appears on the affected side. It is constant, can be strong or moderate, but when coughing or breathing deeply, trying to move actively, a sharp, stabbing pain occurs in the left side when inhaling, radiating to the collarbone, under the shoulder blade or to the shoulder. Hiccups, shortness of breath, dry cough may appear, muscle tension is felt when palpating the affected side, and the patient complains of increased pain.

Cardialgia may manifest itself as a stabbing pain in the left side, which appears when inhaling. In heart diseases (cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease), the accompanying symptoms are shortness of breath, weakness, shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances, and swelling in the ankle area.

Acute myocardial infarction is almost always accompanied by pain, however, contrary to popular belief, it is not always very strong. There may be aching pain. In addition, there is usually a feeling that the chest is bursting. Another characteristic symptom is a feeling of fear for one's life, fear of death. Often the patient experiences respiratory failure, he does not have enough air, and when trying to take a deep breath, there is a sharp pain in the left side, radiating to the arm and / or lower jaw. Another sign of a heart attack is that the usual cardiac drugs do not help, and also - the attack lasts a long time - from 20 minutes or more, which distinguishes it from an attack of angina. Severe weakness with dizziness and sweating up to fainting, there may be vomiting, diarrhea - such symptoms are possible, but not obligatory. It happens that a person suffers a heart attack "on his feet", and this is discovered by chance much later during an examination for a completely different reason.

Pleurisy, which is often a complication of various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, is manifested by pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, bending over. Other symptoms are characteristic of pulmonary pathologies - cough, shortness of breath, weakness, night sweats, subfebrile temperature. In severe cases, pleurisy occurs with high temperature and other general symptoms of acute intoxication.

After a chest injury (fall, blow, bruise, compression), pain in the left side when inhaling may indicate damage to soft tissues or a rib fracture. It may be felt constantly, intensifying with exertion, or it may completely subside at rest. The consequence of the injury may be hemo- or pneumothorax - life-threatening conditions. In severe cases, people feel very bad and, without delay, seek medical attention, but in mild cases - they may delay seeking treatment.

Some diseases - neoplasms, tuberculosis, aortic aneurysm and others can lead to bleeding into the pleural cavity, as well as to pneumothorax and the combined condition of hemopneumothorax. Therefore, if you are bothered by severe pain when inhaling or changing position, it makes sense to seek emergency help.

Complaints that the left side hurts, the pain intensifies when inhaling, may be due to a ruptured spleen. In this case, the pain radiates to the left shoulder and shoulder blade. Patients, in order to reduce the pain syndrome, often draw up their legs, lying on their back or left side. Some time later, the intestines stop working - gases do not pass, causing bloating, and defecation also stops. All this happens against the background of symptoms of acute blood loss - the patient turns pale, cold sweat appears on his forehead, weakness progresses, blood pressure decreases, the pulse quickens, vomiting may occur, psychomotor agitation with subsequent collapse.

Acute pancreatitis manifests itself as severe constant pain in the left side under the ribs, often encircling, up to pain shock. It can intensify when changing position and during deep breathing. The patient vomits, complains of thirst and dry mouth, weakness. In later stages, the symptoms of intoxication progress, the temperature rises. Typically, the day before the patient most often took part in a drinking party, where he was not distinguished by abstinence.

If the cause of this pain syndrome is pyelonephritis of the left kidney, then the pain will be localized in the side of the back above the waist, in the place where the ribs end. Pyelonephritis is accompanied by functional disorders of urine outflow and symptoms of renal failure.

Surgeons call acute diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon “left-sided appendicitis”, chronic diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic, however, some painful discomfort may periodically bother you, especially when taking a deep breath or changing body position.

When inhaling, pain is felt in the left side and in the case of an abnormal course of acute appendicitis. Local left-sided peritonitis, ovarian rupture or ectopic pregnancy in the left fallopian tube may also manifest. However, in case of emergency pathologies of the digestive and genitourinary organs, pain may not increase when inhaling. Much depends on the individual anatomical features of the patient. Pain in the left side when inhaling is a non-specific symptom, so if you feel it regularly, you should definitely get examined.

Diagnostics left flank pain on inhalation

When a patient complains of pain in the left side when inhaling, the doctor finds out what other symptoms bother the patient, palpates the areas where the pain occurs, and tests the ability to perform certain movements. A detailed survey of the patient narrows the search for the problem and helps to suggest its direction.

To objectively establish the cause of pain, laboratory tests are prescribed - general clinical blood and urine tests, more specific ones - if a specific pathology is suspected.

In addition to tests, instrumental diagnostics are widely used. X-ray and computed tomography are used to assess the condition of bones, joints and cartilage, as well as the lungs and diaphragm; cardiography allows assessing the work of the heart, esophagogastroscopy allows assessing the condition of the digestive tract, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, and magnetic resonance imaging of soft tissues. Modern equipment allows for high-precision visualization of internal organs, skeletal structures and soft tissues and to establish the cause of pain.

A consultation with a variety of specialists may be necessary. Differential diagnostics of intercostal neuralgia, spinal diseases and muscle spasms is carried out with diseases of the heart, lungs, digestive and genitourinary organs. After the examination is completed, a final diagnosis is established and treatment is prescribed.

Treatment left flank pain on inhalation

Pain in the left side when inhaling can be a manifestation of various pathologies, so their treatment should be carried out by a specialized specialist. There is no single treatment regimen for this symptom.

For non-specific pain in the left side caused by pinched nerve roots or muscle spasms, painkillers are used, most often non-narcotic analgesics - Ketoprofen, Meloxicam, Diclofenac, Nimesil. They help not only to eliminate the pain syndrome, but also to relieve inflammation at the site of nerve pinching. The long-established drugs Ketoprofen or Diclofenac have a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, but at the same time they negatively affect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causing its inflammation up to gastrointestinal bleeding. Moreover, side effects are observed quite often, in about one case out of ten, people with existing pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are especially susceptible to complications from taking them.

Drugs belonging to later generations (Meloxicam, Nimesil) are considered safer for the gastrointestinal tract, since they selectively limit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, and not both. However, they are also not safe enough and can provoke the same side effects. Therefore, combining two different drugs from the NSAID group is generally not recommended. In addition, these drugs can reduce blood pressure, so they are not recommended for use simultaneously with antihypertensive drugs.

Drug therapy is usually complex and includes the use of muscle relaxants, such as Baclofen. This is a centrally acting drug, which is a derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid. The mechanism of action of the drug is not well studied, it is not similar to other known muscle relaxants. The drug effectively reduces painful spasms and sensitivity to pain. Patients become more mobile and note an improvement in overall health. Contraindicated in individuals sensitized to the components of the drug, as well as in cases of hemoglobin synthesis disorders and exacerbations of peptic ulcer disease. It should be taken into account that NSAIDs and other drugs that affect kidney function slow down the elimination of Baclofen. In addition, it is recommended to monitor cardiac and respiratory activity while taking this drug.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work well when applied locally, with less pronounced interactions and side effects. Local forms of NSAIDs are often prescribed - ointment, emulgel, spray, patches, compresses. Contraindications to the use of local forms are violations of the integrity of the skin at the site of application.

Drug therapy is carried out exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor, observing the doses and duration of drug administration. In case of prolonged chronic pain, antidepressants can be introduced into the treatment regimen. Their ability to change the synaptic concentration of serotonin and norepinephrine is used, which is necessary in some cases of combating chronic pain. In this case, the patient may not have pronounced depressive symptoms. Anticonvulsants are also used in the treatment of radicular syndromes due to their ability to influence the centers of formation of pain impulses.

In case of spinal diseases, vitamin preparations are used as part of complex therapy, eliminating calcium deficiency and helping to strengthen bone tissue (vitamin D), normalizing the biosynthesis of connective tissue and the formation of nerve fibers (vitamin C), improving nerve conduction and hematopoiesis processes, and therefore tissue nutrition and respiration (B vitamins).

Physiotherapy is widely used for non-specific pain. Patients with acute pain may be prescribed ultraviolet radiation, therapy with decimeter waves or ultra-high-frequency currents, as well as medicinal electrophoresis with lidocaine. These procedures involve anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Microwave therapy and d'Arsonval currents can be prescribed to a patient with a subacute form of the disease. Such procedures stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes in nerve fibers, relieve pain, and relax smooth muscles.

In case of radicular syndromes, thermal procedures that promote vasodilation, improve metabolism and increase blood flow can be useful – paraffin or mud applications, irradiation with a Sollux lamp.

Massage and acupuncture are also used.

Specific pain in the left side when inhaling is treated by appropriate specialists.

Folk remedies

For non-specific pain in the left side that occurs when inhaling, a simple breathing exercise can help: after a deep breath, you need to hold your breath and exhale the air gradually in small doses.

Traditional medicine recommends thermal procedures for the treatment of pain caused by muscle spasms and strains, radicular syndromes. However, it is necessary to be sure of the correctness of the diagnosis, as the sore spot cannot be heated in all cases.

Physiotherapy is carried out using various folk remedies. A local irritant and warming effect is provided by applications of freshly squeezed black radish juice mixed with horseradish juice. A piece of natural fabric is soaked in the mixture and applied to the sore spot, warmed with a woolen scarf.

A compress of heated hypertonic solution gives a good effect. A napkin is soaked in it and applied to the side where the pain is felt for two hours, and the top is also insulated.

You can make a compress for the whole night by combining melted beeswax with a small amount of liquid honey and onion pulp.

Traditional healers also recommend taking baths with sea salt and herbal infusions: sage, crushed young poplar shoots, eucalyptus or lavender oils.

For specific pains, warming procedures are often contraindicated, but herbal treatments can be used.

A diaphragmatic hernia that can be treated conservatively can be treated with an infusion of wild hare cabbage or marshmallow root. Those suffering from this pathology should eat a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil before meals.

For heart disease, traditional medicine also offers a wide range of herbs: motherwort, valerian, hawthorn, chokeberry, chamomile and lemon balm.

Phytotherapy is used to treat many diseases, the main thing is to know your diagnosis and get advice from a competent herbalist.

Homeopathy

Non-specific and specific pain syndromes respond well to homeopathic treatment. But for the treatment to be effective, it must be prescribed by a specialist; self-medication may not bring the expected result.

Official medicine uses complex preparations, the ingredients of which are composed according to the principle of homeopathic (in small doses), the effect of which is comparable to the effect of NSAIDs, only it is softer and does not have such impressive negative effects when taken. Particular attention to this group of drugs should be paid to people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract, hypotensive patients, with hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.

Pain in the left side when inhaling, caused by muscle spasms or intercostal neuralgia, inflammatory and/or degenerative processes of cartilaginous and bone tissue, traumatic nature are effectively relieved by the drug Traumeel S. It is available in different forms: for external use - ointment and gel, for systemic use - in drops, tablets and solutions for injections, which are made by all known methods, including the drug is used to perform a blockade, segmentally, as well as in acupuncture, which allows targeted blocking of pain syndrome. Traumeel contains the immunomodulator Echinacea, so it is not recommended for use by patients with a history of autoimmune diseases (collagenoses, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroiditis and others), immunodeficiencies of various origins, hematopoietic diseases. Contraindicated for patients with allergies to plants belonging to the cruciferous family. Traumeel contains homeopathic dilutions of known mono-drugs. For example, homeopathic first aid remedies for injuries to soft tissues, bone structures and nerve endings: Arnica montana (Arnica), Aconitum napellus (Aconite), Atropa Belladonna (Belled Acorn), Hamamelis virginiana (Magic Nut), Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile), Bellis perennis (Daisy), Symphytum officinale (Comfrey). The preparations are also effective in cases of old bruises, fractures, poor bone healing, damage to synovial bags, tendons, increased fragility of bone tissue and hypersensitivity of the affected areas. In addition, Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is a well-known homeopathic antidepressant, and preparations of this group are used in the treatment of chronic pain.

Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia) are immunomodulators to support the body's defenses undermined by prolonged chronic pain.

Anti-inflammatory action – relief of swelling and pain of rheumatic origin, painful sensitivity of the skin surface, soft and bone tissue – is provided by Hepar sulfuris (calcium sulfur liver) and Mercurius solubilis Hahnemanni (Hahnemann's mercury). The second component is known in homeopathy as a left-sided remedy.

The plants Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) and Calendula officinalis (Calendula) have long been known in medicine for their ability to dissolve hematomas, eliminate suppuration, and regenerate damaged areas of the skin. All components to a greater or lesser extent exhibit an analgesic effect, relieve inflammation, and suppress the activity of non-specific infectious agents.

For greater effectiveness at the beginning of treatment of acute conditions, systemic use can be combined with local action on the foci of pain.

Single daily injections are prescribed, then their number is reduced to one or two per week or replaced by taking drops or tablets.

External forms (gel, ointment) are used to relieve acute conditions up to five times a day, later switching to twice-daily use.

An analogue of Traumeel, which does not contain immunomodulators and has no contraindications for patients with autoimmune pathologies, is the homeopathic complex drug Ziel T, which has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. And in addition, it is also therapeutic, since it activates the processes of cartilage tissue proliferation, thereby promoting its restoration.

Contains Placenta suis, Cartilago suis, Embrio suis, Funiculus umbilicalis suis – sius-organ active substances that slow down the degeneration of skeletal tissues by improving their nutrition and blood supply. They inhibit destructive processes and even promote some tissue regeneration. Sulphur, homeopathic Sulfur, complements the action of the organ components. After a course of the drug, patients stop feeling pain and restore mobility.

Acidum alpha-liponicum, Acidum silicicum colloidal, Natrium diethyloxalaceticum, Nadidum – biocatalysts or substances that accelerate oxidation and reduction reactions occurring in the body.

Arnica montana (Arnica), Rhus toxicodendron (Poison sumac); Sanguinaria canadensis (Sanguinaria); Solanum dulcamara (Dulcamara); Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) - homeopathic dilutions of plant components have a direct anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerating effect, complementing the effects of organ components and biocatalysts.

The forms of release suggest both local and systemic action. These are ointment, lozenges and injection solution. The combination of systemic forms with external ones enhances the effect of taking the drug.

Traumeel S and Ziel T can be combined with each other and with tissue respiration stimulants Ubiquinone and Coenzyme compositum.

The combination options, doses and duration of the course are determined by a doctor familiar with the action of drugs in this group.

Surgical treatment

Non-specific pain in the left side when inhaling is most often characteristic of the initial stages and not particularly severe cases. They do not require surgical interventions.

Pain that requires surgical intervention is usually constant, although it may increase with inspiration. In addition, the patient usually has other symptoms that indicate the development of an acute process.

Surgical treatment is used in cases of large diaphragmatic hernias or the development of complications, such as strangulation.

Conditions called "acute abdomen", hemo- or pneumothorax are generally resolved by surgical intervention. Surgery may be prescribed in advanced cases of osteochondrosis. In any case, the advisability of surgical intervention is determined by specialists.

Complications and consequences

A person usually does not tolerate constant severe pain for a long time and goes to see a doctor, and periodic pains that occur from time to time with a deep breath often do not cause much concern. A visit to the doctor is postponed "for later" and in vain. If the pain is non-specific (benign), that is, its cause was a muscle spasm or stretch, then the consequences do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life. However, such cases are the result of mechanical or positional effects on bone and cartilage structures. Pain in the side that occurs when inhaling is the first sign of trouble, and if the impact of an unfavorable factor is repeated, it will lead to chronic destructive changes in the skeleton or muscles, causing constant pain and, as a result, limited mobility and a change in posture.

Specific (secondary) pain in the side when inhaling is a consequence of injury or various diseases. Ignoring such pain will result in further development of the disease and complications, sometimes leading to an emergency, and the problem will have to be solved not by conservative methods, but by surgery. For example, a rib fracture can be complicated by further displacement of fragments, impaired pulmonary ventilation, hemopneumothorax, even a minor rupture of the spleen leads to constant blood loss, since such injuries usually do not go away on their own. Diaphragmatic hernia most often leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus due to regular spontaneous entry of food from the lower parts of the digestive tract. As a result, at least chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease develops. More rare but dangerous complications are strangulation of the hernia, perforation and bleeding from the esophagus.

The consequences of ignoring pain in the left side when inhaling can be many, depending on the cause of the symptom, and they can be both insignificant and the most deplorable - from disability to death.

Prevention

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of pain in the left side when inhaling in a traditional way - by bringing your lifestyle as close to healthy as possible, giving up bad habits, trying to eat well, move more, but avoiding physical overload. Walking, swimming, exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdominal press, any kind of training that brings pleasure and allows you to feel in good shape are useful. Such a life position will provide you with good immunity, digestion, normal weight, mobility and correct posture, as well as high stress resistance.

Forecast

Pain in the left side when inhaling is just a symptom, in most cases, not representing a serious danger (neuralgia, muscle spasm). However, if it persistently accompanies you for several days, then you need to get examined. In this way, a serious and even life-threatening pathology can manifest, the prognosis of which depends on the speed of assistance provided.