Advice/ opinion sought

[sallyann27]

A few months ago i was diagnosed with costochondritis and the doctor told me to do nothing it would go away. when it hadn't a month ago and i was still wheezing and coughing and feeling very phlegmy i went back to a differnet doctor,

he sent me for a chest x-ray which was clear and put me on anti-histamines (cetrizine hydrochloride) and i;ve been taking these although not every day. however i am still very sore when i lie down in particular and feel the need to cough and my chest still feels heavy. and of course my nose is blocked constantly.

should i go back to the doctor? can anyone advise what else might be causing this or what i can do to minimise the effects of these allergies please? thanks.

[sallyann27]

thanks for replying so quickly.

I  definitely have tightness in my chest particularly around my heart area. for the chest pain my doctor has given me fexofenadine an anti0histamine so hopefully that helps.

i asked on another page, how long after treatment of roaccutane is it safe to take tetracycline based antibiotics? thanks again, you are always a great source of knowledge and reassurance.

kind regards, SA

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Chest pain is common after respiratory infections because infections lead to inflammation of the pleura surrounding the lungs which ultimately leads to pleurisy. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds and protects the lungs (the pleura).It  occurs when the pleural surfaces rub against one another, due to irritation and inflammation.

You should adhere to the doctor,s prescription as antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for any respiratory infections.For the chest pain ,you can discuss it with your doctor and take analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or indomethacin.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[sallyann27]

my doctor has given me doxycycline to take. i haven't started these yet (due to anxiety) but is it normal to have pain around your chest area when you're  fighting infection?

thanks you're always so helpful

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

In infections esp respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia ,cough fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath are there.These are not  prominent features of allergies.However confirmation of lung or respiratory infections can only be done only after specific investigations like chest X-ray,CT chest ,blood tests and sputum cultures.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[sallyann27]

just a quick question regarding the above:

when do you know if its allergies or whether its a chest infection or something else? whats the difference? i don't want to go to doctor again unless i'm sure.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Chronic cough esp dry irritating cough is a feature of sinusitis,post nasal drip and esophageal reflux of the stomach contents.All of them need to be probed.Pls consult an ENT specialist and a physician and discuss these possibilities with him.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[sallyann27]

do you think it can be chronic cough if it only impacts on me when i lie down?

if untreated are any of these infections dangerous?

thanks, SallyA

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having chronic cough. . Some common causes of chronic cough include asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems (for example sinus infection),post nasal drip and esophageal reflux of stomach contents. . Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia can also cause coughing. These infections can be caused by virus, bacteria or fungus.

In your case, as you are having constant nasal blockage, so you could be suffering from chronic sinusitis leading to cough. Diagnostic tests for sinus infections include trans illumination test,X-Ray sinuses and CT sinuses.Pls get yourself evaluated by an ENT specialist or a respiratory medicine specialist to find out the cause after thorough investigations.

Till that time take steam inhalation at home and avoid eating or drinking two hours prior to bed time.Suck cough lozenges or hard candy when episodes of cough comes. Drink extra fluids to help thin secretions and make them easier to cough up.In case the CT sinuses comes negative then pulmonary function tests and spirometry have to be done to rule out other pulmonary causes.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need any more then pls post us.Kind regards.