Pain in the chest

[ewusia28]

Hello. I have chest infections. I have been taking 40mg steroid tablets since yesterday. My cage is very heavy. When I want to cough up phlegm, I feel pain in my chest. During normal breathing it is ok. Have any of you felt the same? Thanks for all your replies and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

[Utakemybrthaway]

You will get better. The lungs take a long time to heal. Just keep imagining them pink and healthy and flexible. Deep breathing is good for them… in slowly Thru the nose and slowly out the mouth. Take care of yourself this holiday, and stay out of hospitals!❤️❤️❤️From California

[Muldrew]

sorry to hear this

This sounds like what I get

Not nice

Are you also taking antibiotics and have you spoken to a doctor?

I hope it improves soon and that you can enjoy the holiday

[ewusia28 in reply to Muldrew]

Hi.Yes. The doctor examined me and said that I do not need antibiotics. So I asked my asthma nurse for help. She also examined me and said that I only need steroid pills for 5 days. It's been 3 days and I feel worse. I do not know what to do. I feel like everything is lingering in the upper part of my chest. I have antibiotics at home. Maybe I should take it myself.

[Muldrew in reply to ewusia28]

v difficult for you I am sorry

GP may think it’s a virus which is reasonable and antibiotic’s wouldn’t work for that

If you think you can wait complete the 5 days and then just go back and say it’s no better?

If it’s getting worse call them or 111 even 999 ( if in uk) if v bad

But best to stick with own care team and just give them the evidence (if you can)

Perhaps call the asthma uk help line to think it through with them ?

Hope some of this helps

Good luck

[Spikedog66]

I personally think all chest pain needs investigating. It could be a number of problems. If you are really worried please seek medical advice. 111 a drop in centre, Gp or A&E. I know its Christmas but don't ignore your chest pain. Wishing you a healthy Christmas and 2023.x

[Itswonderful in reply to Spikedog66]

I agree. No harm done in checking it out with GP or 111

[Spikedog66 in reply to Itswonderful]

If its costochondritis, inflammation between ribs due to coughing and straining try heat. I lie on a hot water bottle not too hot this helps. I've had episodes of this lasting months. Mimics heart attack for some. Please don't wait... Seek advice please x

[Birthday60]

it’s probably your intercostal muscles feeling the effort of coughing

[Poobah]

I agree with Spikedog, in that you shouldn't ignore chest pain. It could be intercostal strain, so best to use the huffing technique to prepare for a productive cough ( it's less work for the rib cage and muscles). You'll find a variety of physio vids about this on YouTube.

But try the 111 service if pain is worrying you or it worsens to pain even when you breath. However, if pain is unbearable even with painkillers then I would consider a trip to A&E if you can get someone to take you. Otherwise, if pain is bearable but not subsiding see if you can see your GP after Christmas, just so they can review your current treatment and progress.

Chest infections can be hard work for the rib cage and muscles due to the coughing. If you're unlucky, the chest wall can be infected but you would probably feel pain while breathing rather than just while you cough.

I assume you're on antibiotics already if you've been diagnosed with a chest infection. If not, and your phlegm is a dirty colour (not clear) then try the 111 service today if you don't have an emergency pack of antibiotics at hand (check your emergency pack is in date too, something I've been caught out on before). All the best.

[Karenjaninaz]

With chest infections/colds trapped mucus causes that chesty pain. Mucinex with lots of water gives great relief. Steroids - high dose- often give heartburn or belly ache. You can try an anti acid at the same time like famotidine. Under no circumstances take an antibiotic in your own. You might be taking the wrong one and they don’t work for viruses.

Retired nurse-anesthetist here.