Hi. I am 31, and a smoker. I have been having pain in my chest on the right hand side for the last week or so. I have just been for a massage, and the massuse told me that my left lung is flush with my back, but my right lung is protruding.

I would not take medical advice from a masseuse.

I would consult with a Physician - it could be anything from minor to serious.

Uh, yeah, thanks for your answer (I think). I'm not dim-witted enough to take medical advice from a masseuse. However, she volunteered the fact that one of my lungs was protruding from my back, and that combined with the pain I have been experiancing, I decided it may be advisable to seek advice. However, it is 20:30 on a Saturday night, and Physician's are not readily available, hence my post here. Was just hoping for some advice as to weather it was something I should waorry about, and if so, how urgently...

Didn't mean you were dimwitted. You would be AMAZED at some of the things posted here. People just about get medical advice from the neighbor's dog.

Are you having difficulty breathing, shooting pains, pains in your arm, shoulder or back?

I've never heard of a lung protruding but I'm not medically trained.

I have had both pneumonia and pleurisy in the past - both were very painful.

If it's worrisome to you I would go to the ER.

If you think you can wait until Monday, then do that.

I think it's dangerous for anyone to give medical advice over the Internet.

Please come back and let us know - I'm curious about the "protruding lung" statement.

Thanks Judy. Yes, shooting pain. I have had pleurisy in the past as well, and it's a similar sensation, but not as bad. I remember pleurisy being agony.

I will post back after I have seen a doctor.

Pleurisy can weaken lungs, and then you put smoking on top of that. Good you are seeing a doctor soon. A good masseuse could probably notice if something like that, but protruding, no, swollen, yes.

Tick