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How Can Dry Cough, Chest Pain And Breathing Difficulty Be Treated?
I have a cough that is dry and hurts my chest. I’m not sick. Not coughing up anything, no stuffy nose. Just a cough and shortness of breath. It’s been about 2 months. I had a full chest X-ray and ultrasound and also had a VQ scab in March to look for a PE since i had surgery in January. Everything came back clear except for scoliosis Of 30 degrees. It makes me lay in bed All day because i feel like i can’t breath. I dont know what to do next. Also, I’ve been super tired and sleeping over 12 hours a day. after meals i feel drowsy and also my alcohol tolerance has lowered significantly.
Wed, 1 Mar 2023
Hello,
You are suffering from cough and shortness of breath since 2 months. Your tests and investigation reports are normal except scoliosis that makes you lay in bed. You are developing such symptoms because you have scoliosis. Scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine can limit your movement and inhibit the inflation of your lungs.
Scoliosis-related lung complications happen when a curve breaks 70 or 80 degrees, this is severe curvature problem. You have only 30 degrees, it should be treated at the earliest so that the symptoms get controlled. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get simple test called ‘spirometry’ done, it measures a patient’s ability to breathe out (lung-expiratory volume).
If needed you will be advised to get pulmonary-function test, plethysmography done. Unhealthy curve causes a rotation of the rib cage, there’s not enough space for the lungs to expand. You may be recommended to get connected with a chiropractor or physical therapist to help with the breathing exercises to improve the forced vital capacity and physical exercise/activity to lessen the rotation along with the curvature.
You may need a surgery to fix it so that space is opened up for the lungs, improving function and lung capacity. As a general rule, the more severe the angle of trunk rotation (ATR), the more severely your respiratory system may be affected. Get it fixed at the earliest. This can be particularly noticeable during periods of activity and exercise, which may leave you feeling short of breath.
Neglecting may result in increase of shortness of breath and quick fatigue leading progressive curves (over 70 degrees) that compress the lungs and cause increased discomfort. Presently, you can start doing breathing exercises, improve posture, avoid sedentary lifestyle. Take Naproxen or Combiflam, one SOS when required for relief.
To get relief from dry cough, take sips of water or fluid throughout the day. Keep cough lozenges in your mouth. Stay well hydrated so that your throat mucosa is moist. Give voice rest. Taking oral antihistamine, guaifenesin (expectorant) for dry cough, cough suppressants (antitussives), antibiotics(if required) will help to reduce discomfort due to dry cough.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
You are suffering from cough and shortness of breath since 2 months. Your tests and investigation reports are normal except scoliosis that makes you lay in bed. You are developing such symptoms because you have scoliosis. Scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine can limit your movement and inhibit the inflation of your lungs.
Scoliosis-related lung complications happen when a curve breaks 70 or 80 degrees, this is severe curvature problem. You have only 30 degrees, it should be treated at the earliest so that the symptoms get controlled. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get simple test called ‘spirometry’ done, it measures a patient’s ability to breathe out (lung-expiratory volume).
If needed you will be advised to get pulmonary-function test, plethysmography done. Unhealthy curve causes a rotation of the rib cage, there’s not enough space for the lungs to expand. You may be recommended to get connected with a chiropractor or physical therapist to help with the breathing exercises to improve the forced vital capacity and physical exercise/activity to lessen the rotation along with the curvature.
You may need a surgery to fix it so that space is opened up for the lungs, improving function and lung capacity. As a general rule, the more severe the angle of trunk rotation (ATR), the more severely your respiratory system may be affected. Get it fixed at the earliest. This can be particularly noticeable during periods of activity and exercise, which may leave you feeling short of breath.
Neglecting may result in increase of shortness of breath and quick fatigue leading progressive curves (over 70 degrees) that compress the lungs and cause increased discomfort. Presently, you can start doing breathing exercises, improve posture, avoid sedentary lifestyle. Take Naproxen or Combiflam, one SOS when required for relief.
To get relief from dry cough, take sips of water or fluid throughout the day. Keep cough lozenges in your mouth. Stay well hydrated so that your throat mucosa is moist. Give voice rest. Taking oral antihistamine, guaifenesin (expectorant) for dry cough, cough suppressants (antitussives), antibiotics(if required) will help to reduce discomfort due to dry cough.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
If you have recently recovered from cold and cough then you may feel so because of residual secretions that are still getting cleared. If reports are normal then you don't need to worry for it. You can start some physical exercise and breathing exercise everyday consistently as that can help to build up your stamina. Scoliosis and weakness can create disinterest in such physical activity but consistently doing exercise and gradually increasing the counts under guidance of some coach or trainer can help.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Chirag Vaghela, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
If you have recently recovered from cold and cough then you may feel so because of residual secretions that are still getting cleared. If reports are normal then you don't need to worry for it. You can start some physical exercise and breathing exercise everyday consistently as that can help to build up your stamina. Scoliosis and weakness can create disinterest in such physical activity but consistently doing exercise and gradually increasing the counts under guidance of some coach or trainer can help.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Chirag Vaghela, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
I find this answer helpful
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