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What to do if…
you develop new chest pain that gets worse when you breathe in

Short answer

Treat new chest pain that changes with breathing as urgent until a clinician rules out dangerous causes. If it’s severe or you feel very unwell (especially with breathlessness, fainting, sweating, or confusion), call 999 or go to A&E now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait it out” if the pain is new, worsening, or you feel unwell (especially if you’re short of breath, dizzy, sweaty, or nauseated).
  • Do not drive yourself to hospital if you feel faint, very breathless, or the pain is severe.
  • Do not take alcohol or sedatives to “push through” the pain.
  • Do not do strenuous activity to “test it” (stairs, running, gym).
  • Do not rely on a smartwatch reading or a quick online checklist to rule out something serious.

What to do now

  1. Stop what you’re doing and sit upright (or find the position that lets you breathe most comfortably). Try to keep your breathing slow and steady.
  2. Decide right now if this is a 999 situation. Call 999 if any apply:
    • chest pain is severe, persistent, or rapidly worsening
    • you are short of breath, struggling to speak, or breathing feels hard work
    • you feel faint, collapse, are confused, or look/feel unusually sweaty/clammy
    • pain spreads to arm(s), back, neck, jaw, or upper tummy, or your chest feels tight/heavy/pressure-like
    • you cough up blood, your lips/skin look bluish/grey, or you feel like you might pass out
  3. If you’re too unwell to travel but not sure it’s a 999 emergency: call NHS 111 for urgent assessment today. Say: “New chest pain that’s worse when I breathe in.”
  4. If 111 advises A&E/urgent assessment: follow that advice. If you’re going to A&E, do not drive yourself if you feel faint, very breathless, or the pain is severe—ask someone to take you or call 999.
  5. If you’re alone and symptoms are worrying: unlock the door, keep your phone with you, and sit where you can be found easily. If calling 999, put the call on speaker.
  6. Make a 30-second symptom note (for the call/triage):
    • when it started (exact time if you can)
    • where it is (centre/left/right), what it feels like (sharp/stabbing/tight)
    • what makes it worse (deep breath, coughing, lying down, movement)
    • any added symptoms (breathlessness, fever, cough, palpitations, dizziness, leg swelling, recent immobility/long travel, pregnancy/post-partum, recent surgery)
  7. If you’re waiting for advice and want simple pain relief: only take something you normally can take, and follow the label (do not take extra to “mask” symptoms or delay urgent care).

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out the exact cause right now (there are many possibilities, and some need tests to rule out).
  • You do not need to decide whether it’s “A&E vs GP” on your own — 111 can triage and direct you.
  • You do not need to collect lots of home measurements; focus on getting assessed if it’s new/worsening.

Important reassurance

Sharp pain that’s worse on breathing can happen with common problems, but it can also be a warning sign for conditions that need urgent treatment. Taking it seriously is not overreacting — it’s a sensible safety step.

Scope note

This is first-steps only for the first minutes/hours. Next steps (tests, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up) depend on what clinicians find.

Important note

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you feel you might be seriously unwell, call 999.

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