Lung Pain vs Chest Pain

I was part of a virtual conference last week. A group of patients with asthma and a group of doctors were talking about what is important to look for in a new asthma medication. 

It was a global group, and it was interesting to see how different patients interpret their asthma. What was important to me wasn't important to others. 

 

The doctors also saw things very differently. 

 

One thing we discussed was lung pain. Why is it that an important symptom for me?

 

Because when that happens, I know my lungs are in big trouble.

 

How Lung Pain Helps Me

 

Two years ago, I was eating lunch when I noticed my lungs felt like they were burning. I thought that was VERY strange because the only time my lungs burn is when I'm really sick with the flu/bronchitis/pneumonia. For me, the lung pain starts on Day 4 of an illness. No idea why - that's just what my body does. 

The problem was - I wasn't sick. I didn't have a runny nose and I wasn't sneezing or coughing. But my lungs hurt.  

 

Hubby was sick with Influenza A, but I had quarantined him and was careful about disinfecting surfaces and washing my hands, so I felt I was safe.

So, I used my inhaler, finished lunch, and kept working. By dinner time, the burning sensation was getting worse. So, I switched to my nebulizer for a breathing treatment.

It helped a little, but they were still burning. By 8pm, I knew I better head to the closest Urgent Care. I told the doctor that I didn't feel sick (no coughing, sneezing, running nose, etc) but my lungs hurt. I also told him I have asthma (doctors know respiratory infections always hit us harder.) And I also told him that my Hubby had Influenza A. 

 

The first thing he said was, "Well, you're not wheezing....." I forgot to tell him that I DON'T wheeze.  Sigh.

 

When you go to the doctor and you complain that your asthma is flaring up, they will usually look for coughing, wheezing and shortness of breathe.

I always have to say "I don't wheeze - so don't listen for that."

But - I DO get lung pain. He listened closely, and then said, "Hmm, your lungs are full of junk. It's a good thing you came in when you did." 

There was a shortage of antiviral medication for Influenza A, but he gave me a prescription, a course of oral steroids, and orders to go home and rest. (Like I was going to argue with that! Cue my video streaming service.)

 

I knew I did the right thing by going to the doctor when I felt like "something wasn't right." And for me, it was that I didn't feel sick - except for lung pain. 

 

How Do Doctors Interpret Lung Pain?

 

Well, when I shared that story with the doctors, they said they would translate lung pain to mean "chest pain". Then they would run tests on my heart.   

 

 So, let me set the record straight. 

 

It's LUNG PAIN.

 

I describe it to the doctors as "burning pain" or "lungs feel like they are on fire."

 

If lung pain is one of your symptoms, make sure you let the doctor know if it's lung pain - and not chest pain. 

You want to get the right diagnosis and the right treatment.