Pain relief and asthma: I have... - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,474 members24,860 posts

Pain relief and asthma

Scoobs87 profile image
74 Replies

I have chostochrinditis . I can’t take ibuprofen because it affects my breathing, if co-codamol isn’t easing pain. What else can I take to ease my pain.

Written by
Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
74 Replies
Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

Hi I have costochondritus following pneumonia which lead to a hospital admission nearly 2 years ago . Im the same can’t take anti inflammatory meds they upset my stomach. But I have found a hot water bottle does help . I have been reading about muscle relaxers or nerve blockers working so I might ask my doctor about them . If you find anything let me know , this is awful. The pains in my back and ribs are terrible. Best of luck xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

It’s the pain in chest, back and ribs, I’m frightened to take a breath. I feel like I’ve been beaten up. It’s horrible. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes it’s truly awful. It feels like u can’t breathe, I can only do so much in the house , and lifting / carrying anything remotely heavy is definitely a no no . My doctor gave me Co-codamol and nothing else . But it’s so scary I have ended up with severe anxiety now . So trying Kalms , I have heard they can help calm everything down. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

It’s the pain. It feels like it’s shifting all over my chest and round to back.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes the pain in my back is terrible. I have been to doctors so many times because of the pain . But I’m going to as him about muscle relaxers or nerve medication. It gets me down because every day I’m in some sort of pain . Some days are better than others but have not been pain free since I was diagnosed. The pain between my shoulder blades gets bad , burning pain , and my ribs pain can get so bad only thing I can do is sit and rest with hot water bottles . I hope you find something to help you . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

So do I. I don’t want to cough either. I am also ask about cortisone injections. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes I have read about people who have had relief with them but heard they can hurt like hell . Thing is I don’t want to be taking lots of different tablets all the time . I take Symbicort 200 , Montelukast and also omerprozole . And prednisone when I need it . Don’t really want any more . But want to be pain free . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I know the feeling. I’m on montelukast, fostair 200/6 salamol easi breath. I’ve also been on prednisolone steroids. Everytime the finish I’ve went down hill with asthma. The nurse said not really much else I can get. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

I have been looking into an anti inflammation diet . As that can help . Worth a go . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I’ll need to look at something like that. My nurse said I’ve more than likely picked up a virus in October. And that’s what’s caused it.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes it could be , I have had a few viruses, not needing antibiotics though, but when you cough it makes it worse. I also have post nasal drip and that causes me to cough . So I can’t win . But look at going gluten free (expensive) but a lot of people say the wheat causes inflammation and cutting that out helps with the pain . Also look at turmeric, I have just been looking into trying that . And if you haven’t already get your vitamin D levels checked . Low vitamin D causes muscle and bone pain . Can help ease your symptoms. Mine was low so taking vitamin D tablets now . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I did have low vit d before. But last set of blood tests came back fine. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Do you find it affecting your sleep. I had 2hrs on Saturday night. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes I’m up and down with sleep . And can’t find a good position to lay in without pain . And I feel wiped out all the time . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I just want to burst out crying. At first when I was diagnosed, I could deal with it. Don’t get me wrong, before I was diagnosed. I thought I was having a heart attack. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Yes I feel like that all the time , even cried 2week ago in doctors office lol . But that’s exactly what I was rushed to hospital for , thought it was heart attack. They told me a few weeks and it will be gone . Hmmm nearly 2 years on and it’s just as bad . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

It came back with vengeance in last week. I’m wondering if it because I’ve been ill for quite a few weeks. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

I’m here if you need to talk , it’s awful and scary . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Although the pain is bad. It’s scarier if your breathing goes aswell. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

That’s true , I have also found out that worry and anxiety make it so much worse. Viscous circle . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

It’s just a viscous circle. I got told it would take 4-6 weeks to go away, now I am being told it might never go away.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Oh god I hope that’s not true . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

A wee update. I got dihydrocodeine and Baclofen, one is a pain killer the latter is a muscle relaxant. I have been having a lot of chest and back pain over the weekend, haven’t really slept much. So I am hoping this is going to help. Don;t know if I can take anymore of this. I originally took a week of work in November, thinking i just was unwell. And I am still off of work.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Let’s hope they work for you , keep me updated , if they work I will go talk to my doctor about them . Fingers crossed for you . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I will let you know. The big test is if I get a pain-free sleep tonight. And a full nights sleep at that. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

I really hope you do . Yes please let me know . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Well. That’s me just awake. Didn’t wake during the night & got just under 9 hrs sleep. First decent sleep in weeks. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Wow that’s brilliant. How is the pain ? Any better? Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Still sore ever so slightly in at my back. Not getting chest pain just now. Big test is to see when they are finished. If the pain stays away. X

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

That’s an improvement anyway. How long have you got to take them for ? Xx

Spikedog66 profile image
Spikedog66

Was given advice a few weeks ago to get serrapeptase 80,000iu for pain as constantly had a hot water bottle strapped to my chest. Although pain still there it has eased somewhat so maybe worth a go for you. Paid £17 from Holland and barret but you can get it online cheaper. I have had no side effects and take 1 daily so it will last 3 months but you can take up 2 three. Hope this helps 😆

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toSpikedog66

I’ll give it a try thanks. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toSpikedog66

I will have a look for that too sounds good . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87

The Baclofen is about a month, dihydrocodeine is about 2 weeks. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Keep me updated, I hope it works for you and once finished you don’t need any more medication. I will be going to my doctor and asking about these meds . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I will. Fingers crossed these sort things out. X

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

I hope they do too . I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Do speak to ur gp though, and ask them about them. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

How long have you had chostochrinditis. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

I will speak to my GP . I have had it nearly 18 months . Mine was through having pneumonia. I coughed continually for 3-4 months in the end I was rushed into hospital as I could not breathe . Very scary stuff . Then severe chest pains sent me to A&E and was told it was costochondritus. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I was told I’ve more than likely picked up a viral infection, breathlessness never started til a couple weeks later. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

It’s truly awful, and a crippling condition, I have read about people suffering with it for years 9+ and more . I hope these work for you and you can get rid of it for good . I shall be making an appointment to speak to my doctor it . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

If they do work. But I am in pain after finishing them, I don’t know what I am going to do, I am not one for being on medication long term, apart from inhalers. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

No I am exactly the same , hate medication. Even inhalers . But we do need them unfortunately. Let me know in a few days how your getting on . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I will let you know. It’s funny both tablets am on, they tell you not to take them if you are asthmatic. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

OMG I hope it doesn't cause problems with your asthma. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

So far they have been ok. So I am hoping that means that I will finally be on the road to recovery. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Oh I do hope so , it gives me hope then that I can get some relief and finally feel normal again . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

That’s what I like about these forums, we can all help each other and learn new things. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

That is so true , and you dont feel so alone . Its good to talk 😊xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Yes. It’s funny. The only way I found out I had asthma was through chance. I was propanalol beta blockers for heart palpitations years ago. And when I took them, after a while I couldn’t breath. Dr told me it was all in my head. I should just go with it, I was on them for 4 months. I was littrally climbing the walls, because I felt like somebody was strangling me. That’s how I’ve learned what medication my body will accept, and which ones it won’t. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Oh god that sounds awful . I hope now you are on the road to recovery. A new year and a new you lol xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Yes, it was, I suppose what I am trying to say, is everytime i get something of the dr’s I question it. If I am taking something, I want to know, what something is happening to me. That way if it does. I don’t panic. Plus I can tell someone that it is the reason that I am feeling like that. For example. If I were to have difficulty breathing. I could tell them what I am taking. And that This might be reason as to why i am having this reaction. I also use the emergency contacts function in my Iphone. So if I take ill. I can show that to someone, it has all my medical information, and what medicine I am on. Also it has emergency contacts in it, and what to do if I am having an asthma attack.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

That is a really good idea . And definitely a must for anyone on constant medication. And I totally agree with you about doctors, they wouldn't listen to me half the time just kept giving me different antibiotics, that resulted in me being rushed into hospital and in resuss hardly breathing . I had pneumonia and the doctors never picked up on it . I was so scared , it has left me with severe anxiety too . So maybe the muscle relaxers would help me a lot . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I went to drs on call one night. Couldn’t breath. Never gave me anything to help. Went to own gp less than 12hrs later. And got told I had a bad chest infection. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Oh god thats bad . I go to my local hospital to the chest clinic , do the normal breathing tests and every 6months have ct scans . I went to my gp just before Christmas and wanted to know my scan results and blood test results, he clicked on the page from the hospital and there was a blank page that had one sentence. .. This patint has deceased . Great so according to the hospital I'm dead . So still no results . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

Not so good, I’ve had chest X-rays but always come back clear. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

Well thats a good thing . I wish I could find my results. My gp was going to try sort it out . Bet you didn'texpect to speak to a ghost lol xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87

It still worry’s me at times how I can have a flair up like I’ve been having. But having no really answers as to what is causing it. Xx

Jenzzie18 profile image
Jenzzie18

I have quite a lot of pain every now and then. Once a week or so that paracetamol won’t touch. The only other one I can take before morphine is tramadol so I have that. Does the trick normally. I am allergic to codine and ibuprofen. X

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toJenzzie18

I can take co-codamol. Can’t take ibuprofen, over the last couple of weeks, I have been near breaking point. Don’t know if I can take much more of this. Xx

Jenzzie18 profile image
Jenzzie18 in reply toScoobs87

That’s really hard. As I said the only thing that touches minecis fabulous. X

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87

I’m going to ask about pain relief injections. Do know if costo causing it, but I’m getting pain in chest and back. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

Hi Scoobs87 how you feeling now with your Costochondritus ? Are you feeling any better ? Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

The pains away with being on the tablets, however I’ve been quite wheezy and breathless the last couple of nights. Went to dr, off for another 3 weeks. He’s going to refer me to a chest specialist. The problem is the pain comes back without the tablets. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

Oh no I’m sorry to hear that . Does the dr think it’s the tablets that causing the wheeze and breathlessness? Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I’ve had the breathlessness before the tablets, but they do say don’t take if asthmatic. I just want it all back to normal. I’m so fed up now. Never been off work this long. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

There’s not much else the can give me, I’m on Montelukast, fostair 200/6 & salamol was I-breathe. Apparently I’m on the top end of meds. Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

I know how you feel , it is truly awful. I lost my job before I got sick with pneumonia and I can’t even think about finding another job yet . So much pain it just get you down . I hope they can sort you out . I had my fingers crossed that it would work for you . Xx

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21

Oh that’s no good , they must be something else they can give you or change something. Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87

I’m going to ask them. See they still use the outdated peak flow & you can’t really go by that now I have been told.

Honeysuckle21 profile image
Honeysuckle21 in reply toScoobs87

No I have heard that . I’m hoping you get sorted out soon . Xx

Scoobs87 profile image
Scoobs87 in reply toHoneysuckle21

I just want back to normal. It’s been a rough few months. Xx

Penelope321 profile image
Penelope321

Hi Scoobs87, sorry I know that this is an old post that I’m replying to, but I have only recently joined. How is your costochondritis? I have it too and it sucks, prevents me from wearing underwire bras and even non-wired ones are not comfortable. Try Methylsulfonylmethane powder short form is MSM (organic sulfur modern soil is lacking this and therefore our fruits and vegetables too are lacking) It works wonders. You must dissolve it in boiling non-chlorinated water. Use a quarter of a tsp. Add a quarter cup of the boiling water to dissolve it and then add cooler water (also non chlorinated) to make the temperature bearable to drink. Take on an empty stomach every morning an hour before food or other meds. I don’t know it’s interactions with other meds. I noticed a huge difference in pain reduction just after a few days. I sometimes wonder if the costo brought on the asthma. As I was never an asthmatic before and am now. Perhaps the costo encourages dysfunctional breathing habits. Ginger tea (use fresh, peeled, grated ginger and strain after boiling) is also a great anti inflammatory and pain reliever. I hope that helps, I know how hard it can be.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Pain relief for asthma sufferers

Does anyone have any suggestions for effective back pain relief. As an asthma sufferer I am unable...
Paul_1962 profile image

Pain relief

Hi everyone, been a while since I've posted because luckily asthma has been well controlled. But...

Back pain and asthma

Does anybody suffer with back pain when asthma flare up occur? I sometimes get pain the middle of...
Brenviking profile image

Pain, Asthma??

Never really thought about it before, only recently realized that some asthmatics get pain in lungs...

Pleuritic Pain and Severe Asthma

I have severe asthma and am exceptionally prone to chest infections as I don’t clear my chest very...

Moderation team

See all
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.