Why does my chest feel bruised when I breathe in?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on March 13, 2026
Why does my chest feel bruised when I breathe in?
Many people with chest pain describe feeling like their sternum is bruised. The sternum is more commonly called the breastbone. While it’s possible to bruise your sternum, this pain is more likely caused by costochondritis. This is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum.
What does it mean if your chest hurts when you lay down?
Chest pain often occurs at night because that is when you are lying down. The lying down position can cause flare ups of pain caused by certain conditions, like acid reflux. The pain could also be due to a cardiac or lung condition, obesity, or an injury, all of which should be discussed with a doctor.
What does a heart blockage feel like?
The symptoms of an artery blockage include chest pain and tightness, and shortness of breath. Imagine driving through a tunnel. On Monday, you encounter a pile of rubble. There is a narrow gap, big enough to drive through.
Does Covid hurt your chest?
A small proportion of people with COVID-19 can experience significant chest pains, which are mostly brought on by breathing deeply, coughing or sneezing. This is likely caused by the virus directly affecting their muscles and lungs.
Is Angina worse when lying down?
Pain from angina is also, like GERD, relieved by changing bodily position, such as sitting up. The pain can be worse when lying down. If you suspect angina, seek medical help immediately. While the pain can subside by itself, the underlying causes are serious and always need medical treatment.
Why is angina worse at night?
Angina decubitus is angina that occurs when a person is lying down (not necessarily only at night) without any apparent cause. Angina decubitus occurs because gravity redistributes fluids in the body. This redistribution makes the heart work harder.
How do I know if my heart is OK?
Your doctor will feel your pulse to check your heart rate and rhythm. Each pulse matches up with a heartbeat that pumps blood through your arteries. Finding out your pulse helps your doctor judge the strength of your blood flow and blood pressure in different areas of your body.
How do I know if my chest pain is serious?
Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms along with chest pain:
- A sudden feeling of pressure, squeezing, tightness, or crushing under your breastbone.
- Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back.
- Sudden, sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long period of inactivity.
Does Covid make your lungs feel heavy?
Dr. Connolly: Once in the chest, the virus begins to impact a person’s airways — causing inflammation. As inflammation increases, a barking, dry cough that sounds and feels like asthma develops. In addition, this can cause chest tightness or deep pain while breathing.