A burning sensation felt in the chest or airways can be a deeply unsettling experience that often causes immediate concern. This feeling is a form of chest discomfort that people frequently describe as a burning, rawness, or painful irritation, which they associate with their lungs. While the sensation can be alarming, it may stem from a wide range of sources, from temporary irritation of the airways to more significant inflammatory conditions or issues originating outside the respiratory system entirely. Context is paramount when trying to determine the potential cause of this symptom.
Burning Sensation from Physical Activity and Environment
Many individuals experience a temporary burning feeling during intense physical activity, especially when breathing through the mouth. This common reaction is often due to the rapid inhalation of air that has not been sufficiently warmed and humidified by the nasal passages before reaching the more sensitive bronchial tubes. The sudden exposure of the airways to air that is colder or drier than the body’s internal environment causes a mild irritation and dehydration of the delicate mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract.
Exercising in cold weather is a frequent trigger because the air naturally holds less moisture, intensifying the drying effect on the airways. A similar, transient irritation can also occur from brief exposure to mild environmental irritants, such as dust, strong chemical odors, or low levels of smoke. In these cases, the burning is a temporary response to irritation and typically resolves quickly once the strenuous activity stops or the individual moves to a cleaner, warmer environment.
Respiratory Infections and Inflammatory Conditions
A persistent burning sensation is often a sign of inflammation or infection within the lungs and airways. Acute bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can cause burning discomfort alongside a persistent cough as the lining of the tubes becomes irritated. This inflammation is a direct response to a viral or bacterial infection, which can make the chest feel raw, particularly with deep breaths.
Pneumonia, a deeper lung infection where the air sacs (alveoli) fill with fluid or pus, frequently causes chest pain described as burning or sharp. The pain arises primarily from the inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity, known as pleurisy. In pleurisy, the inflamed layers of the pleura rub painfully against each other when the lungs expand, leading to a sharp pain that can feel like burning.
Asthma exacerbations commonly lead to a burning or tightening sensation in the chest due to the narrowing and irritation of the airways. During an attack, the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes constrict, and the airways become inflamed. This discomfort is a direct result of the inflammatory process and the increased effort required to move air through the constricted passages.
Non-Pulmonary Sources of Chest Discomfort
The chest cavity houses several organs, and pain originating from non-lung structures can be mistaken for a burning lung sensation. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, is a common cause of this referred discomfort. Since the esophagus lacks the stomach’s protective lining, the acid irritates its tissue, causing a burning pain, or heartburn, often felt directly behind the breastbone.
Musculoskeletal issues, such as costochondritis, involve inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This inflammation can cause a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the chest wall that is often worsened by movement, deep breaths, coughing, or pressing on the affected area. The location of this pain near the center of the chest can be confused with pain from the lungs or heart.
Cardiac issues, while often presenting as crushing pressure, can also manifest as a burning or squeezing sensation. Angina, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, can be described as a burning feeling that may radiate to the arms, jaw, or back. Because the nerves that send pain signals from the heart and esophagus share similar pathways, distinguishing between a cardiac event and severe acid reflux can be challenging.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Any new or severe burning sensation in the chest warrants professional medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if the burning pain is accompanied by “red flag” symptoms, including:
- Sudden, severe chest pain that does not resolve quickly with rest.
- Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arms, or back.
- Severe shortness of breath, inability to catch your breath, or difficulty speaking.
- Fainting, dizziness, a sudden cold sweat, nausea, or a rapid, irregular heartbeat.
- Coughing up blood.