What causes a catch in chest when taking deep breath?

A catch in the chest when taking a deep breath can be caused by several factors. Here are some potential causes:

1. Muscle strain: Overstretching or straining the muscles around the chest, rib cage, or diaphragm can cause a sharp, catching sensation during deep breaths. This can occur due to vigorous exercise, sudden movements, or poor posture.

2. Costochondritis: This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. Costochondritis can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.

3. Pleuritis: Also known as pleurisy, pleuritis is an inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inner chest wall. It can cause sharp chest pain that intensifies with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing.

4. Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This can cause sudden, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths and can also lead to shortness of breath.

5. Pericarditis: Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. It can cause a sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or lying down.

6. Hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. They can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, especially after eating large meals or lying down.

7. Pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lungs. It can cause sudden, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and sweating.

If you experience a persistent catch in your chest when taking deep breaths, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Some of these causes can be serious and require medical attention. The diagnosis may involve a physical examination, medical history inquiry, and further tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests. Proper treatment can then be recommended based on the underlying cause.