[43F] Experiencing severe lung and shoulder pain with cough

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• 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. The pain in your lung and shoulder, along with your cough and slight fever, could be symptoms of pneumonia.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, fever reducers, and cough medicine. It's important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

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

  • Treatment of pleurisy involves pain control and treating the underlying condition.

• Pulmonary embolism: This is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or, rarely, other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). The pain in your lung and shoulder, along with your difficulty breathing, could be symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.

  • Treatment typically involves anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent further clotting, and in severe cases, more aggressive treatments.

Please note that these are possible conditions and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Please go to the emergency department as soon as possible.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Increased difficulty breathing
• Increased pain in your chest or shoulder
• Coughing up more blood
• A high fever

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.