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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In Shoulders And Chest And Breathing Problem?

Hi, I am a 60 yr old female and lately I have been having pain in my back where my lungs are, also pain in my shoulder, armpits and sometimes my hands...the last few days I have been quite breathless, even when talking. Could it be a chest infection? I m not coughing but seem to have a lot of phlem, most times quite thick. THANKYOU Yvonne
posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014
Twitter Wed, 26 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 27 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
You complain of chest pain, breathlessness and productive cough.
The reasons can be many, hence let me come directly to your question.
Could it be chest infection?
An infection will usually come with its accompanying signs and symptoms. Fever is one of the cardinal signs of an infectious aetiology. A productive coloured sputum is an indicator too. It needs evaluation with blood counts and Chest Xray. to rule out an infection. Also if possible, a sputum culture is highly recommended.

Also given the age and degree of breathlessness, i would advise you to be evaluated for obstructive airway disease (COPD) by getting a Spirometry done.

Any more queries are welcome.
Regards.
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What Causes Pain In Shoulders And Chest And Breathing Problem?

You complain of chest pain, breathlessness and productive cough. The reasons can be many, hence let me come directly to your question. Could it be chest infection? An infection will usually come with its accompanying signs and symptoms. Fever is one of the cardinal signs of an infectious aetiology. A productive coloured sputum is an indicator too. It needs evaluation with blood counts and Chest Xray. to rule out an infection. Also if possible, a sputum culture is highly recommended. Also given the age and degree of breathlessness, i would advise you to be evaluated for obstructive airway disease (COPD) by getting a Spirometry done. Any more queries are welcome. Regards.