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What Causes Chest Pain And Cough While Breathing In?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

Question: Whenever i try to breathe in (take a deep health), my chest hurts and i cough subsequently. I have seen a doctor here in Nigeria who recommended Broncholyte cough syrup...but it seems not to have done much. I was diagnosed to have 'high typhoid and malaria parasite' in my body system during the consultation; and was treated for these. However, the problem with breathing mentioned earlier persists. Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
cough with painful breathing

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic.

It is good to know that you recovered well with typhoid and malaria. The current symtoms however, seems to be due to lower respiratory tract infection. Anything else if present will be ruled out on chest Xray.

You need to pay a visit to your doctor to get examined by stethoscope to know more about your illness, as such examination helps alot in diagnosing.

Normally in my clinics, I offer such patient a 5 days course of antibiotic like azithromycin or augmentin along with anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine.

I have seen improvement in patients who use steam inhalation along it, and avoid greasy, oily or fatty meals for a while.

Using cough syrups containing ammonium chloride or Pseudoephidirine also help with cough.

Hope this answered your questions. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask or you can approach via my profile directly.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (49 minutes later)

Thanks doctor for your response. The stethoscope check and chest xray were done and both showed 'clear'. I will commence taking augmentin from today along with steam inhalation. Just to mention that whenever I climb the staircase currently, I pant terribly and find it difficult to breathe deeply. Is this also a symptom of your opinion? Best regards.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
shortness of breath in relation to current issue

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for appreciation.

Well, if X-ray and chest exam was clear, then next step in my opinion should be to complete the antibiotic course and see if symptoms improve. If it doesn't, on re - visit get an EKG, and pulmonary function tests done. Also a complete blood count may be needed to check for hemoglobin levels. Keep us posted regarding the progress or in case of any further query.

Hope it helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (59 minutes later)

Many thanks, once again. I will go ahead with the antibiotic course and revert on the progress made. By God's grace, I hope all will be well by then. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
closing remarks

Detailed Answer:
You are always welcome. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 days later)

Good evening doctor, the antibiotic has helped to improve my recovery. I was given some blood tablets in the clinic but I want to know if I can continue with the drugs now that I have commenced my monthly period. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can use antibiotics with periods.

Detailed Answer:
Hi! I am glad to hear about your recovery. Yes, you can continue with your antibiotics with your periods and complete the full course as been prescribed, to avoid future resistance. Best regards.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj