“63 Signs You May Have Long COVID | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That” plus 3 more

63 Signs You May Have Long COVID | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That
Why the Maternal Medication List Matters: Neonatal Toxicity From Combined Serotonergic Exposures - American Academy of Pediatrics
An afternoon nap could improve your cognitive abilities, study says - Arizona Daily Star
Sharp pain when breathing in: Chest, ribs, causes, and more - Medical News Today

63 Signs You May Have Long COVID | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Posted: 16 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST

A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts noticed that some people who battled the virus—mild, moderate, and severe infections included—weren't recovering from it. In fact, they reported lingering symptoms that increased in severity after their initial infection had cleared. For long haulers, "it is certainly clear that for around 10% of patients, symptoms can last long after the acute illness," F. Perry Wilson, a Yale Medicine physician and clinical researcher and associate professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, explains to Eat This, Not That! Health. "Many people have described the symptoms as coming and going, often triggered by things like exercise or stress." Now, a new study published on MedRX sheds light onto Long COVID and the symptoms that it can include. The researchers surveyed 3,762 people from 56 countries, pinpointing the most commonly reported signs of the prolonged illness. Here are the most common symptoms, ranked from less common to the most common. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.

Sick woman coughing, experiencing hiccup. — Shutterstock

Some long haulers report new or unexpected anaphylaxis reactions after an infection. The Mayo Clinic explains these are "severe, potentially life-threatening" allergic reactions that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. "Symptoms include a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock." If not treated promptly, usually with epinephrine, they can result in unconsciousness or death.

man holding his nose because sinus pain — Shutterstock

Similarly, some people report new allergies after COVID, specifically those associated with scent. According to one report from VeryWell Health, "COVID-19 can concoct new allergies in patients" to many substances–a signature perfume, soothing holiday candle, or even their own car. These allergies can result in "severe respiratory distress" with symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, and sore throats.

Thigh pain or muscle twitching or muscle cramp. — Shutterstock

Bulging veins are another symptom that long haulers have reported, which is likely due to the blood clotting tendencies of the virus. "COVID-19 can make blood cells more likely to clump up and form clots," the Mayo Clinic explains.

COVID long haulers report several heart-related symptoms. One of them is bradycardia. Per the Mayo Clinic, bradycardia is defined as a "slower-than-expected heart rate, generally beating fewer than 60 beats per minute."

Uncomfortable young woman scratching her arm while sitting on the sofa at home. — iStock

There are many long term dermatological manifestations of COVID, and one is dermatographia. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is also known as skin writing. "When people who have dermatographia lightly scratch their skin, the scratches redden into a raised weal similar to hives," they explain. "These marks usually disappear within 30 minutes."

Woman with symptom of atopic dermatitis on brow and brows — iStock

Other skin issues associated with long hauler symptoms include peeling skin. "The skin is potentially a visible window into inflammation that could be going on in the body," wrote Esther E. Freeman, MD, Ph.D., director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, senior author of a study surrounding the skin manifestations experienced by 1,000 long COVID patients.

Woman Suffering a Stomachache after Eating in a Restaurant — Shutterstock

Gastrointestinal issues are common with long haulers, Dr. Wilson maintains. One of them is constipation. Of course, "if you have uncomfortable symptoms of constipation, the first step is ensure you are drinking enough fluids, and to increase your fiber intake. The fiber content of your diet by adding cereal grains, fruits and vegetables, or daily doses of a fiber supplement (for example, Metamucil or Citrucel)," advises Harvard Health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is defined as "ringing or buzzing noise in one or both ears that may be constant or come and go, often associated with hearing loss." One study found that 40% of those who had COVID-19 symptoms experienced a worsening of their existing tinnitus, linking it to long COVID. "The findings of this study highlight the complexities associated with experiencing tinnitus and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes to daily routines, can have a significant effect on the condition," explained study author Eldre Beukes. "Poor treatment of tinnitus in the early stages often leads to much worse cases, and severe tinnitus can have a huge impact on mental health," added study co-author David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association.

woman with stomach ache sitting on sofa — Shutterstock

Research has found that COVID-related inflammation impacts the urinary tract, and can result in urine cytokine elevation and cause COVID-19 associated cystitis, resulting in bladder dysfunction.

Woman holding leg in pain — Shutterstock

Another dermatological sign of long COVID is petechiae. The Mayo Clinic describes them as "tiny round brown-purple spots due to bleeding under the skin" revealing that they can be in a small area due to minor trauma or "widespread due to blood-clotting disorder." One study maintains that this symptom could be the result of thrombocytopenia "not a common complication in COVID-19" or "due to an alternate etiology such as vasculitis."

woman smiling with hand over ear listening an — Shutterstock

According to case reports as well as this study, sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL)—often irreversible—has been reported by those identifying as long haulers.

Young woman, blond hair, fainted in bed. — Shutterstock

Many long haulers report fatigue, dizziness, and balance issues—all of which can increase the likelihood of fainting.

sad and depressed black african American woman in bed sleepless late night feeling desperate looking worried and anxious suffering depression problem and insomnia sleeping disorder — Shutterstock

Per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a tremor is an involuntary, uncontrollable "rhythmic shaking movement" that occurs because of muscle contractions. As COVID can attack the neurological system, this could explain why some people experience them.

Woman removing adhesive plaster from the wound after blood test injection — Shutterstock

Skin rashes are another common dermatological manifestation of long COVID. "Rash-like morbilliform" lasted a median of seven days and four days, respectively, for patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19, with a maximum duration of 28 days, according to the authors of the MGH long COVID study.

Blurred and double vision while driving — Shutterstock

Vision symptoms—including blurry vision—have been reported by many long COVID sufferers.

Hand of a woman with red polish on wooden surface — iStock

One report on long COVID courtesy of the Atlantic found that many long haulers reported tingling or vibrating sensations when touching surfaces, likely due to the disease's effect on the brain and nervous system.

Those battling COVID-19 often report gastrointestinal issues. "Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus)," the Mayo Clinic explains. For some, this symptom continues long after their initial infection.

Woman lying on sofa and suffering from stomach pain. — iStock

Many women have reported menstrual issues—such as irregular or skipped periods, blood clotting, or prolonged period-related symptoms—for months after a COVID-19 infection.

Moody aged man feeling unhappy. — Shutterstock

Since COVID-19 impacts the neurological system, memory issues often plague long haulers.

Doctor neurologist examining female patient — Shutterstock

Per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve." It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, such as herpes zoster (shingles), HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and syphilis, and, according to many long haulers, COVID-19.

Concerned aged mother and adult daughter sit on couch having serious conversation — Shutterstock

Slurring words and speech difficulties are usually a result of neurological damage, sometimes caused by a stroke. As COVID-19 wreaks havoc on the neurological system, this is likely why some long haulers still experience these issues months after their infection.

One of the most curious symptoms reported by many long haulers is hallucinations, some of which are truly frightening. One woman felt a sponge was talking to her. Another thought an umbrella was a man. A third had homicidal thoughts about her children.

One of the most peculiar symptoms of long term COVID is pernio/chilblains, or redness and swelling of the feet and hands, which has come to be commonly known as "COVID toes." According to MGH's study, this symptom lasted a median of 15 days in patients with suspected COVID-19 and 10 days in lab-confirmed cases. "Notably, six patients with pernio/chilblains were long haulers with toe symptoms lasting at least 60 days, with two lab-confirmed patients with COVID toes lasting longer than 130 days," they wrote.

In addition to slurring words and speech, some long haulers report speech and language issues.

woman over white with blurred vision and trouble focusing — Shutterstock

Eye symptoms—including blurry vision—can occur as a result of COVID related nerve damage or due to other symptoms related to the virus, including fever or headache.

A man experiencing discomfort in his upper arm — iStock

According to the Cleveland Clinic, muscle spasms, also known as muscle cramps, happen when a muscle involuntary and forcibly contracts. Dr. Wilson explains that they are "not terribly common" with long haulers "and can certainly be triggered by other conditions besides long-covid."

The surprised girl holds a thermometer in her hands. — Shutterstock

Fluctuations in temperature are not uncommon amongst those battling long COVID.

woman hands holding and massage her calf, suffering from calf pain — Shutterstock

The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a condition that causes a decreased ability to move or feel (sensation) because of nerve damage. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders or swelling/inflammation of the nerves. "Many patients with lingering covid symptoms report some alterations in nerve sensation," explains Dr. Wilson. "Often this takes the form of prolonged changes in smell or taste, but some have reported numbness or tingling in the hands or feet."

Per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth. Generally, it is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. This could be why months after an infection, COVID long haulers are still experiencing sneezing bouts.

Vomiting is one of the many gastrointestinal complications reported by long haulers. It is likely the result of the gastrointestinal damage wreaked by the initial COVID-19 infection.

Man hands on his head felling headache dizzy sense of spinning dizziness,a problem with the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathway — Shutterstock

"This is a sense of feeling not 100% sharp, which can be hard for patients to describe," Dr. Wilson specifies. "They just don't feel on top of their mental game."

Coughing up blood can be due to a variety of health issues, explains Mount Sinai. Many of them—such as inflammation of the blood vessels in the lung (vasculitis), injury to the arteries of the lungs, pneumonia or other lung infections, or even simply irritation of the throat from violent coughing (small amounts of blood)—are likely connected to an initial COVID infection. "This is very uncommon and should absolutely be evaluated by a doctor," explains Dr. Wilson. "Coughing up blood is not a normal symptom and should be treated as a potential medical emergency if it develops suddenly."

man suffering from wrist pain in office, closeup — Shutterstock

Bone aching or burning is another uncomfortable sensation tied to long hauler syndrome. "Diffuse aching, either in the muscles or bones has been reported," confirms Dr. Wilson.

Young woman feeling sick and sneezing in a tissue at home. — Shutterstock

While a dry cough is most commonly identified with COVID-19, some long haulers report more of a wet one that involves mucus. Edison Chiluisa, a 51-year-old hospital worker, recently revealed to the Washington Post that amongst his debilitating symptoms he "coughs up a thick mucus that is becoming worse despite a variety of treatments." Adds Dr. Wilson: "Lingering cough is common with all viral infections, and COVID seems to be no exception. Some patients are still coughing after they have tested negative."

Sick woman with fever checking her temperature with a thermometer at home — Shutterstock

Temperature fluctuations—including low body temperature—are commonly reported by COVID long haulers.

Vertigo illness concept. Man hands on his head felling headache dizzy sense of spinning dizziness,a problem with the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathway. — Shutterstock

Another neurological symptom, acute or sudden confusion or disorientation is "a concerning symptom and should be evaluated by a medical professional ASAP."

Woman lying on her bed with her eyes closed. — iStock

Feeling unusually exhausted after exerting any energy? Maybe that feeling—fatigue, or maybe a migraine—kicks in 24 hours after you exert yourself? It could be a symptom of long COVID. "This is one of the most common symptoms described by COVID long-haulers, who report that after exercise they can feel really run-down for a while," says Dr. Wilson.

Gastrointestinal problems are a somewhat common symptom of COVID and likely explain why many long haulers report abdominal pain.

Senior woman suffering from pain in hand at home. — iStock

The Mayo Clinic explains that joint pain often arises as a result of inflammation. It has been established that inflammation is common in COVID-19 infections. "Inflammation attacks joint tissues, causing fluid in your joints, swelling, muscle damage, and more," explains Penn Medicine orthopedic surgeon, Christopher S. Travers, MD.

Patient complains of heart pain to a cardiologist doctor — Shutterstock

Heart palpitations are "feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart," explains the Mayo Clinic. "Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them." Per one study published in JAMA Cardiology, out of 100 recovered COVID-19 patients, 78 reported "cardiac involvement" while 60% had ongoing myocardial inflammation. And, even those who initially suffered from mild to moderate infections, reported ongoing heart issues, such as palpitations.

Feeling uncomfortably ill is not uncommon for long haulers. "Some patients report gastrointestinal symptoms after COVID, like nausea and diarrhea," says Dr. Wilson.

tired exhausted stressed woman — Shutterstock

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, according to the Mayo Clinic. "If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea," they explain. It is just one of a few sleep-related symptoms reported by COVID long haulers.

woman suffering from chest pain while sitting at home — Shutterstock

The Mayo Clinic explains that tachycardia, a form of arrhythmia, occurs when your heart beats over 100 beats per minute. It is one of the many heart-related symptoms that long haulers suffer from.

Sleep complications are not uncommon for long haulers. According to a survey of more than 1,500 people in the Survivor Corp Facebook group, half of patients recovering from COVID-19 reported difficulty sleeping as one of the lingering symptoms. Some experts believe that post-COVID insomnia could be the result of anxiety and stress created by the illness.

Feeling dizzy or unbalanced is another neurological manifestation of the virus. "This may be due to the weakness many patients have after a tough bout with COVID, but any balance or persistent dizziness should be evaluated by a medical professional," Dr. Wilson says.

Sick woman blowing her runny nose in paper tissue at home. — Shutterstock

Dr. Wilson confirms that runny noses and sinus issues are not uncommon with long haulers. "Lingering sinus congestion and runny nose have been reported weeks to months after a COVID infection," he says.

Sick young woman lying in the bed covered with blanket

One case report focuses on a woman whose post COVID headache lasted for months after her initial infection. "New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is another chronic headache that can be triggered by viral diseases," the researchers explain.

woman hand flush toilet after using — Shutterstock

"A lot of patients with lingering symptoms report constipation or diarrhea that persists for a few days, then resolves, then returns again," says Dr. Wilson.

Middle aged woman lying awake in her bed at night, worrying because of an uncomfortable pressure in her chest and an irregular heartbeat — Shutterstock

It isn't uncommon for sleeping issues to occur as a result of health complications. Since COVID long haulers struggle with anxiety and stress as well as many other uncomfortable symptoms, it isn't surprising that they struggle with sleep.

Woman having chest pain and coughing while lying down on sofa at home. — iStock

COVID-19 impacts the lungs and respiratory system, and according to some long haulers, continues to long after their initial infection. The Mayo Clinic explains that sudden, sharp chest pains—aka pleurisy—may indicate that the lung walls are inflamed. This sensation can signal pneumonia or other types of infection.

Young man having asthma attack at home — Shutterstock

"Chest congestion can be seen even after a patient is no longer infectious," Dr. Wilson explains. The University of Florida Health reports that there are several types of abnormal breath sounds, each unique in sound. These include rales, small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lungs. "They are heard when a person breathes in (inhales). They are believed to occur when air opens closed air spaces. Rales can be further described as moist, dry, fine, or coarse," they explain. Others include wheezing, high-pitched sounds produced by narrow airways, rhonchi, snoring-like sounds that occur when air is blocked, and stridor, wheeze-like sounds that can be heard when a person breathes.

woman trying to sense smell of half fresh orange, has symptoms of Covid-19 — Shutterstock

"Some patients still haven't fully recovered their sense of smell months after they lost it during the initial infection," Dr. Wilson explains. "Many people might not recognize how serious this is, but without smell people may not eat as well, may inadvertently expose themselves to contaminated food, and, more broadly, life just feels less colorful. Though we don't often think about it, smell is hugely important for our well-being."

Woman's hands hold back spine suffering pain wear. — iStock

Achy muscles can be a sign that you are battling an infection, and also one that your body already has. "One of the more common long-hauler symptoms, muscle aches—particularly after exercise—can limit activity," says Dr. Wilson.

Along with weight loss, loss of appetite does occur in long-haulers, explains Dr. Wilson. "Sme of this might be due to the loss of sense of smell that many patients report," he points out.

Curly woman feeling bad and suffering from strong cough while having flu — Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, COVID-related pneumonia can permanently damage the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. "The resulting scar tissue can lead to long-term breathing problems," they explain.

woman lying sick at home couch — Shutterstock

Temperature fluctuations, including chills, flushing, and sweats, are a common complaint amongst those suffering from long COVID.

According to the CDC, viruses and infections can cause sore throats. While many COVID sufferers report a sore or scratchy throat as an initial symptom of the virus, some claim that it lingers long after their initial infection.

Young woman in pajamas having heart attack in her bedroom (woman, pain, stroke, chest) — Shutterstock

"Chest symptoms like cough, congestion, rattling, can persist in some patients," Dr. Wilson maintains.

While a fever over 100.4 is a trademark symptom of COVID-19 as well as long COVID, a simple spike in temperature (or low grade fever) is also common.

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia — Shutterstock

Extreme exhaustion or fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of long COVID. "This is one of the most commonly reported symptoms and can be quite severe," reveals Dr. Wilson.

Woman suffering an anxiety attack alone in the night — iStock

"Shortness of breath, particularly with exercise (even climbing a flight of stairs) can be really debilitating," says Dr. Wilson. Per John Hopkins Medicine, shortness of breath is when you feel like you can't get enough air or your chest is tight. While this might be normal after a workout or period of exertion, post COVID shortness of breath can occur at any time—even when laying in bed or sitting on the couch.

Sick man holding his chest in pain while coughing in the living room. — iStock

Dry cough is one of the defining symptoms of an initial COVID-19 infection, with many long haulers reporting that it does not quit. The American Lung Association points out that this could be a result of permanent damage to the lungs, which may in turn affect the ability of the body to function normally. However, they also point out that some long haulers experience symptoms such as a dry cough, "without apparent damage to vital organs."

Woman Checking Her Temperature in Bed — iStock

While a fever is a trademark symptom of an initial COVID-19 infection, many long haulers report a recurrent or persistent temperature spike over 100.4F. If you've experienced that or any of the symptoms mentioned here, seek medical attention or contact a Post-COVID care center. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Why the Maternal Medication List Matters: Neonatal Toxicity From Combined Serotonergic Exposures - American Academy of Pediatrics

Posted: 01 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST

Abstract

Serotonergic medications are used for the prevention and treatment of depression during pregnancy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can cause poor neonatal adaptation, which has been attributed to withdrawal versus toxicity. Bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is often used as an adjunctive agent to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs for refractory depression. Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, may also be used in more complex cases. When combined with serotonergic drugs, bupropion and quetiapine are associated with increased risk of serotonin syndrome in adults. We describe a neonate exposed to venlafaxine (an SNRI), bupropion, and quetiapine in utero who presented nearly immediately after birth with encephalopathy and abnormal movements. The severity and rapidity of symptoms may be attributable to potentiation of venlafaxine's serotonergic effects by bupropion and quetiapine. Neonatal providers should be aware of maternal medications and prepare for possible adverse effects, particularly from common psychotropic exposures.

An afternoon nap could improve your cognitive abilities, study says - Arizona Daily Star

Posted: 29 Jan 2021 10:30 AM PST

Taking an afternoon snooze could keep your brain sharp, a new study has said.

Adults ages 60 and older who took afternoon naps showed signs of better mental agility compared to those who didn't nap, according to a study published in General Psychiatry earlier this week.

Researchers analyzed napping habits in 2,214 older Chinese people and measured their cognitive abilities using several cognitive tests.

The participants were divided into two categories, those who took regular naps and those who didn't. The study defined naps as a period of sleep taken after lunch lasting between five minutes and two hours.

Nappers scored higher

Participants took the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, both of which test for memory, language and other cognitive abilities. Results showed that napping positively affected older adults' mental abilities, said lead study author Cai Han, geriatric psychiatrist at The Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu in China.

In every category listed in the study, nappers tested statistically higher on average compared to their non-napping counterparts.

"This study found that a proper nap is beneficial to the maintenance of cognitive function, so we encourage the elderly to take a proper nap," Han said.

Unintentional nappers performed worse on the word recall test than non-nappers and intentional nappers, the study noted.

An afternoon nap could improve your cognitive abilities, study says — Seniors who took an afternoon nap had better mental agility compared to non-nappers.
Shutterstock

Many factors can affect sleep

Researchers did not gather data from people under 60, so a correlation cannot be drawn between afternoon napping and younger generations. The study also noted that there are conflicting studies about the benefits and risks of napping.

Sleeping behaviors can be affected by a multitude of factors, said Dr. David Neubauer, associate professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Daily routines, medication use, environmental factors, lifestyle choices and sleep disorders can all play a role in how frequently someone takes a nap, he said.

In the future, Han wants to study the effects of different lifestyles on cognitive function.

The study didn't gather specific data on the length of time each participant took a nap within the five-minute-to-two-hour range or what time in the afternoon they slept.

Here's how to power nap

Neubauer recommended taking a shorter "power nap" of up to 20 minutes to decrease the chances of transitioning into slow-wave sleep, which makes people feel groggy when they wake up.

Naps should also be taken earlier in the afternoon to limit their possible negative impact on the following night's sleep, he said.

Napping can be a healthy part of an older adult's day, Neubauer acknowledged, but make sure sleepiness isn't due to a treatable nighttime sleep disorder.

"Older individuals who want to do all they can to preserve their cognitive functioning should prioritize nighttime sleep," Neubauer said.

30 sleep habits from around the world

Spain: Take a siesta in the afternoon

South Korea: Turn fans off before bedtime

Afghanistan: Bedrooms are for more than just sleep

Guatemala: Worry dolls promote stress-free sleep

Japan: Workers nap in the office

France: Babies sleep through the night at 10 weeks

Scandinavia: Babies nap outside in winter

Mexico: Prayers come before sleep

t scheduled

Australia: Groups sleep together

UK: Strip down before going to bed

Germany: Couples use separate duvets

Italy: Workers get long lunch breaks for naps

China: No mirrors allowed near the bed

South Africa: Elevate your bed with bricks

Brazil: Town retains pre-industrial sleep habits

Finland: Babies snooze in cardboard boxes

Belgium: Earliest bedtime in the world

Switzerland: Newborns sleep in hammocks

Egypt: Sleep in two phases

Canada: Inuits snuggle up to stay warm

South India: Women tie hair up before sleep

Sub-Saharan Africa: Sleep under a net to stop bug bites

Argentina: Kids get a late bedtime

t last as long as elsewhere

s best sleep quality

Norway: 'Midnight Sun' keeps people up late

Indonesia: Stress induces instant sleep

Outer space: Astronauts sleep in restraints

Sharp pain when breathing in: Chest, ribs, causes, and more - Medical News Today

Posted: 21 Dec 2020 12:00 AM PST

Sharp pain when breathing in can occur for several reasons. The symptom can range in severity, with some people noticing mild discomfort and others experiencing severe pain.

In most cases, pain around the chest and ribs is not a sign of serious illness, and it will resolve on its own or with minimal treatment. However, it can occasionally be an emergency, requiring urgent medical intervention.

In this article, we discuss seven possible causes of sharp pain when breathing in and explain when to seek medical attention.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the air sacs, which fill up with fluid or pus. Pneumonia occurs as a result of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The severity of the condition depends on a person's age and overall health.

People with pneumonia often experience chest pain when breathing in. The other symptoms, which may range from mild to severe, include:

a cough
coughing up sputum, a green or rusty phlegm, from the lungs
high fever
chills
difficulty breathing
fatigue
sweating
fast heartbeat

Both the type of pneumonia and the severity of the condition will determine the treatment options.

For bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, antibiotics may help treat the symptoms.
Antiviral medications, rest, and a high intake of fluids may help treat pneumonia resulting from a virus.
Antifungal medications may help treat fungal types of pneumonia.

A doctor may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce the symptoms of pneumonia.

Learn more about pneumonia here.

Pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, which is a space between the lungs and chest wall. The air accumulation can increase pressure in the pleural cavity, making part of a lung or even an entire lung collapse.

Pneumothorax can occur as a result of a chest injury or an underlying lung disease, such as tuberculosis.

People with pneumothorax may experience sharp pain in the chest that worsens during breathing or coughing. The degree of collapse determines the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax.

These may include:

shortness of breath
sudden chest pain
tightness in the chest
heart palpitations
fatigue
cyanosis, which is where the skin or lips turn slightly blue

Treatment for pneumothorax involves inserting a chest tube or needle to remove excess air from the pleural cavity. For mild cases, the condition may heal without this procedure being necessary.

Learn more about pneumothorax here.

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, a tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the outside surface of the lungs. Pleurisy often results from viral or bacterial infection, with viral pleurisy being among the most common causes. People with pleurisy tend to experience sharp pain, particularly in the chest, when inhaling.

Symptoms of pleurisy include:

sharp pain in the chest that worsens during breathing
pain that radiates to the shoulders and back
shortness of breath
coughing

The treatment for pleurisy will depend on the cause of the underlying condition. For instance, if the condition is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to manage the symptoms.

For the pain and inflammation that pleurisy causes, a doctor will recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Learn more about pleurisy here.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage, a tissue that connects the breastbone and ribs. The chest pain that costochondritis causes can range from mild to severe.

People with costochondritis often experience chest pain, which may radiate to the back.

The exact cause of costochondritis is unclear. However, the condition may result from a chest injury, strenuous exercise, severe coughing, or a joint infection.

Costochondritis typically heals on its own. However, a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs to relieve pain. Physical therapy, including stretching exercises and nerve stimulation, may also be helpful, as may heat treatment.

If other measures do not work, a doctor might recommend injecting corticosteroids or numbing medication directly into the affected area.

Learn more about costochondritis here.

A traumatic injury to the chest may result from a sports-related incident, a surgical procedure, or an accident, such as a fall from a height. Approximately two-thirds of people who experience physical trauma have chest trauma, with the severity ranging from a rib fracture to injury of the heart.

Chest trauma can lead to sharp pain when breathing in. Other symptoms of chest trauma may include:

shortness of breath
pain that radiates to the neck or back
coughing up blood
bruising of the chest wall

Doctors will determine the best treatment for chest trauma based on the cause and severity. For instance, if a person is gasping for air, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will likely be the first approach. People with chest trauma should seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about broken ribs here.

Severe stress and anxiety may cause anxiety attacks, a possible symptom of which is sharp pain when breathing in.

An anxiety attack can produce a stabbing, needle-like sensation in the middle of the chest. The dread of an upcoming event or a fear that something could happen typically triggers the condition. People may experience the following symptoms during an anxiety attack:

chest pain
heart palpitations
difficulty breathing
lightheadedness
sweating
a headache

Treatment options for anxiety-related disorders include:

Anyone considering seeking professional help should ensure that they select a well-trained and qualified professional.

Learn more about anxiety attacks here.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart. The cause of pericarditis remains unclear, but viral infections are a common cause. Other factors may also cause pericarditis, including:

People with pericarditis experience sharp pain when breathing in or a dull ache that may feel better when sitting upright or leaning forward. The pain may also radiate to the left shoulder and neck. Other symptoms of pericarditis can include:

fever
shortness of breath
lightheadedness
heart palpitations
swelling of the abdomen and legs
a cough

The best treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, it usually gets better on its own. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe OTC pain relievers and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Learn more about pericarditis here.

Sharp pain when breathing in can sometimes be a sign of a life threatening condition, such as a heart attack. A person should speak with a doctor about any unexplained sharp pain when breathing in, particularly if it occurs alongside the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing
chest tightness or pain
severe shortness of breath
rapid breathing
air hunger, which refers to the inability to breathe in sufficient air
sudden dizziness
fever
excessive sweating

Experiencing sharp pain when breathing in can be worrying. Although the condition may not be a cause for alarm — at least in most cases — it can sometimes be a sign of a severe illness.

The condition may arise due to various causes, including chest trauma and other medical conditions, such as pneumonia.

Anyone experiencing sharp pain when breathing in should speak with a doctor, who will likely want to carry out an evaluation to diagnose the cause. Once they have confirmed this, the doctor will be able to put a treatment plan in place.