What Causes Chest Pain When Suffering From Severe Pneumonia With Asthma?

Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 31 year old single female known for asthma on treatment, recently discharged fron hospital, 2 weeks back, due to severe exacerbation and pneomonia requiring IV antobiotics and steroid trstment. severe cough is still there coming in 2 to 3 episodes everyday and ends with vomiting. what concerns me now is severe lower chest pain, very sharp and stabbing, mainly in left side, increases with lying down, coughing and sneezing

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Chest pain is most likely due to vigorous cough. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM From history it is clear that you had severe pneumonia with asthma. Chest pain is most probably due to muscle spasm resulting from vigorous cough.Chest pain is common problem in long standing and severe cough. You don't worry.It will settle with time. However Chest X-ray (PA view) can be taken to confirm present status. If pain is from musculoskeletal origin then analgesics and muscle relaxants like Tizanidine can be prescribed. It is also important to know about current medication which you are receiving. If there is no signs of infection in chest X-ray then cough suppressants like codeine can also be prescribed. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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