I've had asthma since I was little and pneumonia aged 9, now 22. Since June last year I've had 3 chest infections (last one I ended up in hospital) and now been told I have pleurisy but had an X-ray Friday to check for pneumonia. Has anyone else had pleurisy and suffered bad? The pain is terrible, a stabbing pain where my left lung is every time I breathe. I've been told it may be viral so had some blood tests to check so haven't been given antibiotics yet. Been suffering two weeks on Tuesday. I've been taking co-codamol (tried ibuprofen but doesn't help my asthma) and using a hot water bottle. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
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yrt1993
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Sorry can't help as never had this. I think once they sort out he antibiotics you should start getting better. Did the GP not suggest pain killers? I would ring your surgery and ask about this or make an emergency appointment to see your GP this morning. You could also call the British Lung Foundation nurses and see if they have any suggestions to help you. Hope someone has some advice for you.
I'm having co codamol and ibuprofen but it doesn't ease the pain. That's a good idea about the British lung foundation I'll try give them a call tomorrow.
A severe chest infection like pneumonia or pleurisy can be very painful, and two weeks or more isn't unusual unfortunately. However, it can also lead to costochondritis (painful inflammation of the interstitial muscles in the rib cage) that can be, frankly, agonising. I watched my daughter suffer with months of it after recurrent pneumonia at the age of 8. You should talk to your gp to find out what's causing your pain and to manage it.
Thank you for your reply, I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow about my x Ray and blood tests results so fingers crossed its not pneumonia as I know they was checking to see if I had that as well x
I have had it and it's very painful , l have also and at the same time had bronchitis and every time I coughed it's was excruciating . I think you are doing all you can just take pain relief regulary , I liked hot water bottle . Hope you feel better soon sweetie 😇
I have had pleurisy about 6 times now. Same side. It is excruciating pain especially when your coughing. I have asthma also and they are always bad at the same time. I think because you can’t see it it’s like we are exaggerating the condition. I’ve asked many times if there is anything I can do to prevent this and I’m told no. Once I was ill for 6 weeks. It affects your life and your work. I use a hot water bottle and lie on it on the painful side, this helps to get some sleep at least. Sleeping sitting up with pillow support helps me too. I can’t have nurofen as I’m allergic so paracetamol and cough medicine is best I can have which isn’t much at the time when the pain is chronic. It’s a debilitating condition and I wish there was more for us who suffer it. I hope your episodes are far apart. Take care
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