Which condition is characterized by sudden onset of sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing?

The condition characterized by sudden onset of sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing is pulmonary embolism. This condition occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. The blockage leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, causing sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. Symptoms often appear suddenly and can vary in intensity, making this condition particularly alarming.

While myocardial infarction (heart attack) can also present with chest pain and difficulty breathing, the pain may not be sharp, and symptoms can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, or weakness. Angina pectoris typically causes chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle but usually not a sudden, sharp pain, and it often resolves with rest. Pneumothorax involves air entering the pleural space and can lead to sudden sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing, but it is usually accompanied by other signs such as decreased breath sounds on one side and potential visible signs on a chest X-ray, making it distinct from pulmonary embolism.