Left side chest pain when breathing

Tracheobronchitis may cause symptoms that include coughing, a sore throat, and tiredness.

Sharp pain when breathing in left side

Causes can include viruses, bacteria, and air irritants.

Doctors can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and medical history, but blood tests and other diagnostic tools are sometimes necessary. Although most people with tracheobronchitis recover on their own, complications such as pneumonia may sometimes occur.

Standard cases do not require treatment with antimicrobial medication.

Instead, doctors may recommend medications for pain and fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), and home-care practices, such as drinking plenty of fluids.

Nonstandard cases involve individuals in intensive care units who use a ventilator.

While there are no set medical guidelines for treatment for these cases, some doctors may recommend antimicrobial medications. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis can be life threatening.