Pleurisy

[paula66]

Diagnosed with pleurisy plus chest infection yesterday ...how long does the pain last anyone got any idea and any tips on lying down with it ...in agony here x

[Js706]

Ouch! Pleurisy is NOT fun. I was advised to take co-codamol (the over the counter strength) regularly (and NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you can tolerate them) and found that it was fairly manageable on that. I was able to start reducing painkillers after about 7-10 days, but needed some form of pain relief for a couple of weeks.

It seems weird but I found lying on the painful side more comfortable - it made it a bit easier to take deeper breaths. I also found cooling packs helped a bit - I just bought one of those cold sprays from the pharmacy and sprayed a bit on from time to time.

Also make sure you try to cough and do deep breaths regularly, which can be really painful, but is really important. I found sometimes holding a pillow against the painful part of my ribs to sort of “splint” them helped with this and made it a bit more bearable to do!

[paula66 in reply to Js706]

The doctor as prescribed co codamol for me and I am this afternoon getting a bit of ease after taking them..funnily enough I find lying on the same side is more comfortable which I thought odd..thankyou at least now I know what to expect pain wise x

[Eian59 in reply to Js706]

I found that ibuprofen really helped clear it up .

It's a very painful thing hope you get better soon.

[paula66 in reply to Eian59]

Can't take ibuprofen wish I could sometimes xx

[Debbi0202]

Mine lasted 2 months bed ridden same amount of misery for 2 months but when i got better it 2as quick

Ill pray 4 u

[paula66 in reply to Debbi0202]

Thank you x