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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest Pain?

Hi my kids have been sick since Thursday and was told Saturday by a doctor that they had a virus (symptoms were high fever around 103 constantly used tylenol and ibuprofen to cut it down, stuffy and runny noses, achy body, sore throat). Now none of us have fevers anymore, but we are still congested and have horrible barking like coughs. Took the kids back to the doctors today and they told me they both have upper respiratory infections. They are on antibiotics so should start feeling better... now my runny/stuffy nose is also combined with sinus pressure. I have been taking Ibuprofen and mucinex to help with all of that but when I cough my chest feels real tight and hurts in my sternum area even long after I am done coughing. I do not smoke. I think I have an upper respiratory infection, but what is the pain in my chest???
Wed, 8 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, we should rule out post infectious bronchitis in your case.
Bronchitis is inflammation of airways.
It is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection. And it can cause cough, chest congestion, chest tightness, chest pain etc.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. PFT (pulmonary function test).
PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
If PFT is normal then simple musculoskeletal pain due to coughing can be the cause for your chest pain. So apply warm water pad on affected areas and take painkiller like ibuprofen.
Don't worry, you will be alright but first rule out bronchitis.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Chest Pain?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, we should rule out post infectious bronchitis in your case. Bronchitis is inflammation of airways. It is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection. And it can cause cough, chest congestion, chest tightness, chest pain etc. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). If PFT is normal then simple musculoskeletal pain due to coughing can be the cause for your chest pain. So apply warm water pad on affected areas and take painkiller like ibuprofen. Don t worry, you will be alright but first rule out bronchitis. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.