Chest Pain Upon Deep Breathing
Of the five main lung problems that occur with lupus, the most common way lupus can affect the lungs is through the inflammation of the lining that covers the outside called the pleura. As the inflammation of the pleura puts pressure on the lungs, those with pleuritis experience pain when taking deep breaths. The symptom of pleuritis they may experience is a severe, sharp, or stabbing pain in a specific area or areas of the chest. The pain, or pleurisy, gets worse when they take a deep breath, laugh, cough or sneeze. Shortness of breath may also be experienced as shallow breaths are taken due to the pain. Pleural effusion or “water on the lungs” may also occur due to the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
