Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough Causing Chest Pain

Posted on Fri, 23 Dec 2016

Question: Hi

I woke up Tuesday with a ruuny nose and cough. I'm coughing so much my chest hurts. It would only hurts when I,press on it, But it seems like when it gets cold my choncroditis gets worse, I took a very hard fall last winter and hit my head and my ribs pretty good I went to the e r and took care of that. Plus my doctor here told me I have fibromyalgia, but never gave me anything for it. Could I have my chest hurting from coughing so much. I got a lot of chest congestion too.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep yourself warm, get a chest X ray done, continue with Advil.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I think you need to continue taking the Advil you are taking for pain control. It might be important to add an anti inflammatory drug to control the inflammation. An anti inflammatory drug in this case is particularly important since the symptoms described like osteochondritis and fibromyalgia are concerned. Advil is one, and you need to continue taking it.

Runny nose and coughing might need that you keep yourself pretty warm and drink warm fluids (soups, broths, menta tea etc.). Getting lots of congestion, to me, means that you need to get a chest X ray done in the first place. This'll be important to ascertain the integrity of the lungs. Conditions like asthma and a probable infection is needed to be carefully ruled out.

I suggest you continue taking Advil, keep warm and get a chest X ray done. Based on the findings of the x ray, you might have to see your doctor. Drugs like Carbocysteine (facilitates mucous outflow - discharge) that help in the congestion might be helpful.

Thanks and kind regards. Please, do feel free asking further questions in case of need.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

It's not hurting as much now. But what kind of pill is a anti inflammatory? What is Carbocysteine...is that like mucinix?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mucinix is a good option, Ibuprofen or prednisolone, see Dr.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the follow up question,

Yes, carbocysteine has a similar action like Mucinix, you are right.

Anti inflammatory drugs like simple Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. Also, you could also b given steroids like Prednisolone. Your doctor prescribes these drugs cautiously depending on your past history of peptic ulcer disease or not. If you have gastritis, other drugs like Omeprazole could be added to your Anti inflammatory drug to protect your stomach.

For now, Mucinix could be help and you should consider taking an anti inflammatory drug (either Ibuprofen/Diclofenac or Prednisolone).

Thanks and kind regards, Please feel free asking further questions in case of need.

Dr Bain

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY