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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Asthmatic with sharp chest pain
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Asthmatic with sharp chest pain
by ERluvr, Jul 05, 2004 12:00AM
Recently I had a spontaneous pneumothorax. I was only in the 6th grade and was 12 years old. I was treated with only an oxygen mask and was hospitalized for five days. I have mod. severe asthma and am on pulmicort and serevent for management of my attacks. I am now 15 years old and have been experiencing good management of my asthma with very few attacks during the year; however, I've been experiencing some chest pain. It is a sharp stabbing pain that worsens when I breathe in. It's on the left side around the area of the heart. I experienced it a year ago and visited my doctor because it got to the point where I had to take very shallow breaths and stop all activity until it went away. It increased in its frequency over time, occuring every few minutes. He diagnosed it as a case of pleurodynia (sp?) that would go away on it's own. It did pass in a couple of weeks, but recently I've been experiencing it again. The same type of sharp, stabbing pain, and it has become increasingly frequent. I've now had it for at least two weeks. Someone once mentioned it's possible relation to my previous pneumothorax. Is it possible that this is some sort of "effect" from it? I can't find any pattern in it either. It doesn't occur after eating certain foods or exercising. I'm not overweight and am in fairly good shape. I have no history of heartburn or gastrointestinal problems. It occurs completely at random and can last anywhere from a few seconds to thirty minutes. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thank you so much!
Well, what people are telling is correct. What you are experiencing is mostlikely pleuritic chest pain, or pleurisy. And yes, it can be directly related to your past pneumothorax when you were younger. There are several causes of pleurisy. yours is due to your chest trauma. You may want to reconsult your physician if the pain persists. You could have an active infection. He may suggest a CT of your chest just to confirm.
Goodluck kid...let us know how it turns out!
Andy, RRT, CPFT