Pleurisy switching sides?

[Ekatenhs]

I've been diagnosed with pleurisy a week ago as a complication of bacterial chest infection that has been dragging on since March following a flu or covid-19 (unconfirmed), according to GP.

After taking different types of antibiotics, steroid inhaler, anti antihistamines (in case of asthma), I'm on the last day of the antibiotics course and now my symptoms have moved from the right to the left side of my chest. Is this a typical development in pleurisy? Anyone here experienced something similar.

[Hidden]

I’ve had pleurisy twice. First time both sides, second one. I think you should tell your gp. I don’t know enough about it, but seems a bit strange to “switch sides” at this stage. Also you could phone the helpline, 03000 030 5000 Mon-Fri 9-5

[Aishahb5364]

I just had pleurisy after pneumonia. The pain seemed to be getting better then went to one side and became excruciating. The pain was so bad it was all I focussed on. I’m a fibromyalgia sufferer so I’m used to dealing with pain. It was so bad I went back to the doctor who examined me, found one blister and said that I had shingles. Only got a handful of blisters from the middle of my right shoulder blade to the front of my chest. Worst pain I’ve ever had. If you’ve had chicken pox previously you may have shingles.

[B0xermad]

Hi I sympathise with you, pleurisy is a pain like no other, I found it excruciating on 1 side only and I have to say childbirth and a broken rib was nothing in comparison. I hope you feel better soon and get rid of the pain .

[Aishahb5364 in reply to B0xermad]

Have to be honest the pleurisy was a breeze compared to the shingles. Now shingles, that’s pain on another level. Childbirth, organ removals (kidney and gallbladder) Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia has nothing on shingles.

[B0xermad in reply to Aishahb5364]

Oh wow what a collection of suffering you have ,I do hope you feel better soon

[Badbessie]

Hi I have numerous episodes of pleurisy. It as happened to me. My GP could give no explanation. The only thing I can think of is that pleurisy causes abnormal movement in the chest wall with one side expanding more naturally than the other which causes problems in the side that did not hurt originally. What ever the cause it did get better after time. Personally in your case I think you need to give to more time.

[Ekatenhs in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks for the info! That's a possibility, happy to hear it resolved in your case! Did you have to continue with a longer course of antibiotics to clear it up? Also why does it come back so many times, is this because the Pleura tissue is scarred (chronically)?

[Badbessie in reply to Ekatenhs]

No I required no extra antibiotics. But if you feel it is getting worse obviously ring your GP. Yes it could be due to scarring however the consultant feels that my low body weight could be the issue with me. Most of the time I do not see my GP unless it becomes obvious I need antibiotics. I know the symptoms and know what helps.

[tlc22]

Hi I have been suffering from pleurisy for 3 weeks it’s never ending. I too fell ill with a virus mid March. Two lots of antibiotics. I have been prescribed strong painkillers but not keen on the side effects. Pain goes from one side to another for me and into shoulders and neck. I can’t get comfortable at night just slipping into bed and falling asleep are a distant memory.

[Ekatenhs in reply to tlc22]

Gosh, this sounds exactly the same. GP just told me that after the 3rd round of antibiotics, my blood work shows no infection, and I don't have to continue with this. The pain is just mechanical. I need to take Aerosol for the next month and antihistamines in case of asthma, to minimise the mechanical rubbing through coughs etc. Asthma not confirmed though, tests after lockdown.

[tlc22]

Hi just wondering are you taking any anti inflammatory medication ?

[Ekatenhs in reply to tlc22]

Only corticosteroids via inhaler.

[tlc22 in reply to Ekatenhs]

I am lucky enough to be able to take ibuprofen but I know many can’t. I also take paracetamol thru the day.

[Ekatenhs]

Update: I spoke to my GP and she said that it is not uncommon to get pleurisy on the other side, too, due to the irritation through coughing for weeks. My blood test, after a series of antibiotics, shows that there is no infection, so she thinks it is now mechanical and will clear up in a few weeks time. Not sure how to take it, but at least I am feeling better. No elevated temperature and energetic again after weeks. Today is the first day without antibiotics which were effective. I hope it goes well after that and does not regress again.

[tlc22 in reply to Ekatenhs]

Good news hope you feel better soon.

[Ekatenhs in reply to tlc22]

Thanks!

[500cm in reply to Ekatenhs]

Hi Ekatenhs,

Glad you are feeling a bit better.

Sounds similar to what i have been told by GP and A&E after being told i have pleurisy. Iwas skeptikal though as most people say it doesnt move around.

My bloods came back normal so i havnt been given antibiotics, just told to use ibuprofen & paracetamol.

Just wondering though, you mention you feel energetic again, did you feel lathargic / fatigued for long?

[Ekatenhs in reply to 500cm]

Hi, yes, I had elevated temperature on and off during pleurisy, before the correct antibiotics were prescribed and a bit afterwards, but also a 3 weeks earlier with the chest infection, and 5 or so weeks earlier with what GP suspects was a flu or covid 19. The latter period was over 2 weeks I think and I had changing symptoms elevated temperature, dry eyes, headache, dry cough, muscle pain etc.