What can cause bad chest pains. it hurts when i swallow or breathe.

Many things: How long do these last? Pains related to swallowing often point to a problem in the esophagus or GI tract. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing such as climbing stairs, you need to seek medical attention quickly as this may indicate a serious lung disorder! Usually, intermittent pains with no other symptoms are musculoskeletal and benign. See your doctor soon!

More info needed: Is this pain new or chronic? Any previous history of fever or recent viral infection?Is the pain aggravated by movement or liquid or solid food?

Need more info.: Pain with swallowing can occur when one has inflammation of the throat from an infection or from reflux of acid from the stomach. Pain from taking a breath can signal an upper respiratory infection such as bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia or from pleurisy (inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs). It's important to see ones doctor for any of these problems.