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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Emphysema

07/28/2011

Question:

is it common to have bad pain breathing with severe emphysema?

Answer:

Emphysema usually is not associated with pain; however, there could be other related conditions such as osteoporosis that might be causing your pain. Also, in severe end-stage emphysema it is not unreasonable to consider pain medications to get some relief, and it could help alleviate shortness of breath to some degree. If you are in chronic and severe pain, you should have it checked by a specialist to find the source.

Additional Information from Gretchen Whitby:  There are multiple causes of chest discomfort or pain related to the lungs. Consistent "bad" chest pain is not something we see with our COPD patients. Pulmonary causes of chest pain may be related to the pulmonary vessels, lung parenchyma, or pleural tissue. I would recommend further evaluation by your primary care physician or a pulmonologist.

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Response by:

Mahasti Rittinger, RRT Mahasti Rittinger, RRT
Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Gretchen Whitby, APRN Gretchen Whitby, APRN
Nurse Practitioner of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University