Adults only (18+)

How to Relieve Lung Pain

Pain in or around the lungs can feel alarming, especially when it affects your ability to breathe comfortably. Whether it's a sharp pain on inhaling, a dull ache in the chest or discomfort linked to coughing, lung pain is a symptom that should never be ignored. While some causes are mild and self-limiting, others may need prompt medical attention.

Understanding what lung pain is, what causes it and how to relieve it safely can help you take the right steps and know when to seek further support.

What Does Lung Pain Feel Like?

People often describe lung pain as a sharp, stabbing or aching sensation in the chest, especially when breathing deeply, coughing or moving. It can be felt on one side or both and may radiate to the shoulder, neck or back. Some experience a heavy or tight feeling, while others feel discomfort that worsens when lying down.

It is important to note that the lungs themselves do not have pain receptors. What we call lung pain is usually caused by inflammation or irritation in the lining of the lungs (the pleura), the chest muscles, the rib cage or surrounding tissues.

Common Causes of Lung Pain

One of the most common causes is a condition called pleurisy, where the thin tissue lining the lungs and chest wall becomes inflamed. This can happen after a viral infection such as flu or COVID-19. Pleurisy often causes sharp pain when breathing in.

Other possible causes include chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which may also cause a persistent cough, fever and breathlessness. Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also contribute to chest tightness and discomfort.

Less commonly, lung pain may result from a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or a rib injury. These conditions can be serious and need urgent medical attention.

How to Relieve Lung Pain at Home

If your lung pain is linked to a mild chest infection, viral illness or muscle strain, there are several ways to ease the discomfort while your body recovers.

Resting your body and avoiding physical exertion can help reduce inflammation and give your lungs a chance to heal. If coughing makes the pain worse, try supporting your chest with a cushion when coughing or sneezing. Staying well hydrated helps thin mucus in the lungs and can make coughing more productive. Warm drinks, such as herbal tea or hot water with lemon and honey, may also soothe your throat and ease irritation.

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever. Always follow the guidance on the packaging and check with a pharmacist if you’re taking other medication. A warm compress or heat pack placed on the chest may help relax tight muscles and ease aching. Gentle breathing exercises, like slow, deep breathing through the nose and out through the mouth, can also promote lung expansion and reduce tightness.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek urgent medical attention if your lung pain is severe or sudden, or if it is accompanied by shortness of breath or rapid breathing, pain that worsens with movement or breathing, coughing up blood, high fever and chills, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or dizziness and fainting.

These may be signs of a serious condition such as a pulmonary embolism, pneumonia or a collapsed lung. If you are in doubt, call 111 or speak to your GP or the nearest urgent care service.

Even if the pain is mild, you should speak to your GP if it lasts more than a few days, keeps returning or is affecting your ability to sleep, work or carry out daily tasks.

Managing Ongoing or Recurrent Lung Pain

If you live with a long-term condition such as asthma or COPD, flare-ups may cause repeated lung discomfort. In these cases, it is important to use your inhalers as prescribed and attend regular reviews to make sure your treatment plan is working effectively.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, offered through the NHS, can help build your lung strength and manage breathlessness through exercise and education. Stopping smoking, if you smoke, is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your lung health.

Emotional Impact

Feeling breathless or experiencing chest pain can be frightening, even when the cause is not serious. It is natural to feel anxious, especially if you are unsure what is causing the discomfort. Reassurance from a health professional, and knowing how to manage symptoms at home, can help you feel more in control.

Final Thoughts

Lung pain is a symptom, not a condition in itself, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases linked to infections or muscle strain often improve with rest, hydration and pain relief. But if your pain is severe, persistent or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it is always best to seek medical advice.

Being proactive about your lung health, especially if you live with a chronic condition or have a history of smoking, can make a real difference in preventing discomfort and improving quality of life.