A rare but life-threatening condition that affects the lungs is pulmonary embolism , a blood clot that develops in a vein in the pelvis or legs. If part of the clot breaks free, it can travel through the bloodstream and into the lungs, where it may block the flow of blood in part of the lung. This can cause sudden chest pains and shortness of breath. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Another rare but potentially lethal lung condition that can cause chest pains is pneumothorax , which occurs when part or all of a lung collapses.
Pneumothorax produces sharp chest pains and severe shortness of breath.
As with other lung conditions, the pain may be felt more acutely with deep breaths, or may be made better or worse by assuming certain positions. Like pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax is a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Often described by survivors as the worst pain they ever experienced, the pain of aortic dissection may last hours, even days. Although it occurs most commonly in patients with high blood pressure, aortic dissection can strike anyone. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.