Costochondritis

[Q-owl]

I had a bad cough with a chest infection (in my opinion). The third time this year. On previous 2 occasions, I was given 30mg pred per day for 5 days and an antibiotic, and chest cleared each time. I have been in contact with covid, but have not had +ve test. This time I was not given, I was refused antibiotics. I didn't get to see a doctor, but a respiratory nurse spent weeks trying to eliminate possible cause of the frequent infections.

I took daily antihistamine, re hayfever, ruled out asthma, but still using blue inhaler. I've had peak flow tests and spirometry. Given Anoro for mild COPD, and also Erdotin for bronchitis. Encouraged to cough up phelgm and coughing more and more.

Now, I have a very painful condition, Costochondritis. Coughing seems to have loosened/inflamed ribs connection to breast bone. Phoned 111 last night as pain increased. Ambulance sent out to check, as pain in chest to 111 suggests heart attack. No sleep last night, too much coughing/pain. Trying hard not to cough at all today. I'm on Ibuprofen 400g 3x daily for 3 days and 1000 para 4x daily. I had reduced down to 1mg pred, but have put myself on 2.5mg whilst unwell.

I am advised to make an urgent appointment to see a doctor tomorrow to review my medications as today, I've stopped taking the Erdotin, which thins the phlegm and makes me want to cough, and the Anoro spray given for possible mild COPD.

I'm propped up in bed trying not to move or cough - on the edge of sharp pain.

Any thoughts, anyone? Am I more likely to have repeated infections/plegm on my chest because of an autoimmune response or flare, for instance? Is there a link between Costochondritis and PMR? Is this long covid, perhaps? Should I lie down and risk getting stuck in position? Should I try to sleep p propped up?

[piglette]

I had Costochondritis after I got PMR. It was really painful just to breathe. The trouble was I could not give up breathing!! It went away again without any medication.

[Q-owl in reply to piglette]

Thanks for your heartening reply! 🤞

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is no direct link between PMR and costochondritis, there is a link between being on pred and getting infections for some, I think you do need to get an emergency GP appointment - with someone who will provde abx and high dose pred if that is what works for you.

[benhemp in reply to PMRpro]

Unfortunately, there is a direct link between costochondritis and psoriatic arthritis, however. I have both diagnoses (PMR and PSA). Not fun.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to benhemp]

I can imagine - one is bad enough.

[Megams]

~Whilst I can't comment on costochondritis per se I would apply baby vix or menthol preparation to upper chest throat upper back area & apply warm flannel to upper chest. You sound very inflamed.

Being propped up in bed great idea - helps you breathe better + heart benefits too if there are any under lying issues.

I guess after 3 episodes (obviously the 1st antibiotic didn't do the trick) I would be checking color of phlegm again - pneumonia/pleurisy creeps out of woodwork quickly which could add more fuel to the fire.

The fact you have stepped up your pred is a good idea too.

Wishing you a speedy recovery~

[Bronni]

Commiserations. I had costochondritis a few times during the 6 yrs I had pmr. Very painful! I remember it being brought on by a coughing and a couple of times by vigorous arm movements ( swimming & house cleaning!!). I found that being prone to it, I had to treat myself a bit more gently. Never had it before or since pmr.

[Jigsawlass]

I had a bout of Costochondritis earlier in the year, so painful ! I found that sleeping propped up really helped . I wish you a speedy recovery

[Q-owl in reply to Jigsawlass]

Thanks for your advice. I'm learning how to sleep, propped up and getting a couple of hours sleep from time to time.

[Poshcards]

Hi, I had this back a few years and the physio said to hug a pillow and bend forward best you can to cough, it certainly helped me, hope you heal soon xx

[Q-owl in reply to Poshcards]

Thanks for your helpful advice. I've been carrying my 'coughing cushion' for the last two days. It's a comfort, but I'm still at crying pain level when I cough.

[Poshcards in reply to Q-owl]

I am glad it is helping a bit, the worst for me was getting up either from lying down or sitting, again bend forward and hold cushion/pillow to your ribs xx

[Q-owl]

I did see the GP for a medication review. A week on abx and drop some of the other meds, while taking 2.5 mg pred - last stable dosage.