10 Causes of Sternum Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #10: Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a condition where there is inflammation or irritation of the pleura. The pleura can be divided into the visceral pleura and parietal pleura, which usually glide smoothly over each other during breathing. When inflammation or irritation of the pleura occurs, there is friction when the pleura glide over each other causing pain during breathing.
Other possible symptoms include fever, weight loss, coughing, and shortness of breath. The most common cause of pleurisy is a viral infection. Other potential causes are lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, heart surgery, autoimmune disorders, pancreatitis, and asbestosis. Pleurisy may also cause pain at the sternum (sternum pain).
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