I have been experiencing pain on my chest on my left hand side for 2 days now. what could be the cause of the pain? i don't have shortness of breath and i am not coughing. however, it's painful when i breath in and out.

Chest pain: I assume there has been no recent injury or strain of the rib cage. A common cause of a sharp,shooting chest pain brought on with a deep breath is a pinched intercostal nerve or muscle that runs between 2 ribs. These tend to resolve on their own. Associated cough with chest pain is seen with pleurisy or pneumonia. If symptoms persist see your physician for evaluation. In the meantime avoid strain.