[27F] Experiencing lung pain and dry cough for two weeks

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female has been experiencing sharp pain in the mid-upper sternum area and a dry cough rated 6/10 in severity for approximately two weeks. The pain is described as feeling like something heavy is on the chest and worsens with deep breathing. The cough is more severe in the morning. There have been periods of shortness of breath but no sudden onset. The patient has not had any recent injuries, illnesses, or periods of immobility, and there is no known family history of pulmonary diseases. No fever, chills, or coughing up blood has been reported. The patient has an adverse reaction to Ibuprofen, which causes stomach upset, but is not currently on any medications. No pre-existing conditions or allergies were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, fever reducers, and cough medicine.

  • Pleurisy: This is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest (the pleura) that leads to chest pain when you take a breath or cough.

    • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include pain relievers or other medications.

  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. The condition usually affects the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone, causing chest pain.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but since you have an adverse reaction to ibuprofen, you should consult with your doctor for an alternative.

  • COVID-19: Given the ongoing pandemic, it's also possible that your symptoms could be due to COVID-19, especially if you've been in contact with someone who has it.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Most people recover at home. If symptoms become severe, hospitalization may be required.

Please note that these are possibilities, not a diagnosis. You should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.
  2. Rest and stay hydrated.
  3. Monitor your symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they worsen or become severe.
  4. Avoid contact with others until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if COVID-19 is a possibility.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms become severe or you have difficulty breathing
  • You develop a high fever
  • You cough up blood
  • Your symptoms do not improve after a week

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of pleurisy and how is it treated?

Common symptoms of pleurisy include sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, and sometimes shortness of breath. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include antibiotics if an infection is present, and pain relievers. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How can costochondritis be managed if I have an adverse reaction to NSAIDs like ibuprofen?

If you have an adverse reaction to NSAIDs like ibuprofen, managing costochondritis may involve using alternative pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Physical therapy, applying heat or ice, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain can also help. Consult with your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

What should I do if I suspect my symptoms might be related to COVID-19?

If you suspect your symptoms might be related to COVID-19, it's important to self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider for guidance. They may recommend getting tested for COVID-19. In the meantime, rest, stay hydrated, and monitor your symptoms. Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain and cough?

You should seek immediate medical attention if your chest pain and cough become severe, if you experience difficulty breathing, develop a high fever, or cough up blood. Additionally, if your symptoms do not improve after a week, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider.

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