Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Short Summary: Pain In My Chest And Sternum (see Pics)
Question: short summary: Pain in my chest and sternum (see pics)
Detailed symptoms
1. shortness of breath started two weeks ago. inhaler helps.
2. slight dry cough
3. no fever.
4. pain (soreness) in my chest and sternum. sore to the touch. can replicate when pressed. see Xs for pain areas.
pain shows up only with deep breath or after pressing.
Detailed symptoms
1. shortness of breath started two weeks ago. inhaler helps.
2. slight dry cough
3. no fever.
4. pain (soreness) in my chest and sternum. sore to the touch. can replicate when pressed. see Xs for pain areas.
pain shows up only with deep breath or after pressing.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and saw your uploaded photo. Based on your description of the pain, I would exclude any possible cardiac causes.
The pain characteristics that you describe (chest pain, sore to touch, can replicate when pressed), are indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain, probably chostochondritis. The cardiac chest pain is not triggered by pressure on the chest or deep breathing.
The dry cough, shortness of breath which is improved by the inhaler, goes in favor of a lung disorder, a possible inflammation /infection of the upper airways or an allergic reaction.
Coming to this point, if the shortness of breath persists, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam, a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests.
Some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, ESR) for inflammation would be needed too.
Regarding the chest pain, I would recommend trying taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as these drugs can help improve musculo-skeletal pain.
Anyway, there is no need to go to the ER service, considering your symptoms, as there is a high risk for corona virus infection.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and saw your uploaded photo. Based on your description of the pain, I would exclude any possible cardiac causes.
The pain characteristics that you describe (chest pain, sore to touch, can replicate when pressed), are indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain, probably chostochondritis. The cardiac chest pain is not triggered by pressure on the chest or deep breathing.
The dry cough, shortness of breath which is improved by the inhaler, goes in favor of a lung disorder, a possible inflammation /infection of the upper airways or an allergic reaction.
Coming to this point, if the shortness of breath persists, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam, a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests.
Some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, ESR) for inflammation would be needed too.
Regarding the chest pain, I would recommend trying taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as these drugs can help improve musculo-skeletal pain.
Anyway, there is no need to go to the ER service, considering your symptoms, as there is a high risk for corona virus infection.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. your reply stated %E2%80%9Cregarding the chest pain, i would recommend trying taking%E2%80%9D and the rest of the reply was cut off. what is your recommendation?
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The rest of my answer was:
Regarding the chest pain, I would recommend trying taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (usual painkillers), as these drugs can help improve musculo-skeletal pain.
Anyway, there is no need to go to the ER service, considering your symptoms, as nothing serious is going on. Besides, there is a high risk for corona virus infection in the ER service.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best and a Happy Easter,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The rest of my answer was:
Regarding the chest pain, I would recommend trying taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (usual painkillers), as these drugs can help improve musculo-skeletal pain.
Anyway, there is no need to go to the ER service, considering your symptoms, as nothing serious is going on. Besides, there is a high risk for corona virus infection in the ER service.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best and a Happy Easter,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
