Lung Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

Question
I don't know if you can help me or not, but here's my problem: I'm 14, and for about a year or so, my lungs hurt every once in a while. Sometimes it's a sharp pain towards the top, sometimes it feels like a pulsing cramp, and then sometimes both my lungs get a burning sensation. The burning usually happens if there is a big change or if I'm stressed. I went to the doctor when this first started and they said it was "chostochondritis," but I don't know if this is right, because all the information I find on chostocondritis says that the lungs hurt all the time with this condition, and mine only hurt sometimes. Do you know if this diagnosis was right or what I should do? Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Olivia,
Costochondritis doesn't have to hurt all the time. There are clearly flare ups that can be worse and cause those symptoms. You say your lungs hurt. Is there pain with breathing? If not, it is unlikely to be your lungs. There is no cure for costochondritis. It is a self limiting problem and may bother you for months to years off and on before going away for good. Some folks with this have found temproary relief by taking over the counter Ibuprofen. Be careful though because that medicine has side effects and shouldn't be taken for too long.