Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for "pleuritic chest pain." This is a type of sharp, stabbing pain. It gets worse when you breathe in and even worse when you take a deep breath, laugh, or cough. It is often caused by problems with the thin layers of tissue surrounding the lungs, called the "pleura."
Pain from the ribs or muscles lying over the ribs can cause a similar chest pain.
The doctors think your pleuritic chest pain is likely not caused by something serious. But they might not be able to find all causes of your pain the first time they see you. It is important to follow up with your doctor.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Take 10 to 15 slow, deep breaths at least 4 times each day. If the doctor gave you an incentive spirometer, use it as instructed. This lowers your chance of getting a lung infection.
●When you take deep breaths, sneeze, cough, or laugh, hold a pillow against your chest to ease pain.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●If your chest pain was caused by a muscle strain or similar injury, ice can help ease the pain. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your chest every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Use ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
When should I get emergency help?
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
●Have signs of a heart attack, which can include:
•Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:
-Breathing trouble, sweating, upset stomach, or cold, clammy skin
-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs
•Fast or irregular heartbeat
•Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak
●Have so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
●Need to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down
●Cough up more than a tablespoon (15 mL) of blood at once
Return to the ED if you:
●Cough up a small amount of blood or mucus that looks green or yellow
●Have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Bad pain even after taking pain medicines
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Pleuritic chest pain (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use an incentive spirometer (The Basics)
