Frustrated

[tobby9]

I have recently been diagnosed with both Costoconditis and Asthma.  6 weeks ago I went to Emergency with severe chest pains and since my condition has deteriorated alot.  I am finding it hard to breathe after short walks and by the end of the day my chest hurts so bad and I find it difficult to breathe properly.  After 6 weeks I am going crazy.  The anti-inflammatories don't seem to help.

The worst feeling is being not being able to breathe - I don't think it is Asthma as prior to this I was an extremely fit and active person with no prior respiratory problems.  I find myself very fatigued and can no longer play sport - I played a game a week ago and could barely move for the two days after, this is not like me!  I have three nodes enlarged in my neck which I guess indicates infection and an enlarged thymus which was picked up on a CT scan.

Can a certain virus attack my chest and breathing ability like this and how long do they usually stay around - at this stage I haven't been given any anti-biotics as I have tested negetive for common chest infections??  Starting to get a little down about the situation as no one seems to know what is going on.

[National Jewish]

Costochondritis is swelling of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the front of the chest.  This causes a dull aching pain along the front of the chest that is felt more when touched.  It’s common to have tenderness along the sternum and/or where the ribs attach to the sternum.  The pain can radiate beyond the sternum.  The pain can worsen with heavy lifting.  However this would not cause enlarged nodes.  A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, is often helpful.  Usually pressure and all lifting are avoided for at least a month.  This will allow time for the inflammation to subside.

The Devil’s Grip is an infection of the chest caused by a Coxsackie virus.  Other names for this problem are Pleurodynia and Bornholm's disease.  The virus causes inflammation of the sac that holds the heart.  Although this would cause chest pain usually there is also fever.  Since this is a viral infection, antibiotics would not help.  If chest pain is causing your shortness of breath, then ask your doctor if this problem could be a possibility.

If your chest pain is not causing your shortness of breath, then the cause of your shortness of breath needs to be found.  You should seek a second opinion as soon as possible from a lung specialist, also called a pulmonologist.  The most important thing is to be sure there is no serious heart or lung problem.

[funtimes]

A related discussion, still hurting!!! was started.