I have been experiencing a sharp pain in my chest, mostly the left side. it hurts more when i inhale deeply, cough or laugh?

Chest pain: Such sharp,shooting chest pains brought on by a deep breath is often caused by a pinched intercostal nerve that runs between 2 ribs. Muscle pain is less sharp. A rib injury also causes sharp pains but a tender area is present. Lung or pleurisy pain is usually associated with infection,inflammation,fever. Pinched nerves usually resolve on their own. Avoid straining chest wall. See MD as needed.