HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Had Costochondritis. Now Fell Down On Ice. Getting Feeling Of Illness And Tiredness. Flu Symptoms?

Posted on Tue, 14 May 2013

Question: "I have had costochondritis before and now it feels like it is back again...I took a good fall on the ice around 2 months ago or more. It hurts on the left side when i press on it also im tired and feel ill. Can this come back again? Could this be the flu also?"

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (57 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Yes. Physical injury etc can result in costochondritis. Costochodritis can occur in cough that may be associated with flu. There could be recurrent attacks of it associated with it.

Looking at the various medications you are having I suggest you should get basic investigations done (including a ECG) after physical examination by your doctor to rule out any cardiac conditions that could be responsible for your left sided pain.

Hope I answered your query.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you have.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (25 minutes later)

I went to the doctor before and she told me i had Costochodritis. I cant afford to go back again.. It just hurts when i press on it.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (7 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Pain gets worse on pressing and movement in costochodritis. Pain in the left side of the chest and considering all the medications you are on I had a feeling that you should have a physical check up by a doctor and get a ECG done.

Costochondritis improves with rest, analgesics and physical therapy.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (17 minutes later)

I cant afford to get a ECG done...I go on the 19th to see the doctor again. It went away before. She never told me to get that done before.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (5 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

ECG if prescribed by your doctor after physical examination is not a very costly investigation.

Since you are on medications like simvastatin, baby asprin etc and complaining of pain in the left side of the chest, I though you should get examined by your doctor and further investigated if ordered by him.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (15 hours later)

It dosent hurt hardly at all now.. I put a heating pad on it last night helped some. But have a headache when i woke up this morning.
when i press on it i burp also...maybe i have some gas too? It only hurts when i press on it a little bit now

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (11 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

The baby asprin you are using and any other over the counter analgesic medications may be responsible for your acidity.

H2 blocking drugs like Ranitidine and Proton pump inhibitors prescribed by your doctor would be useful in such a scenario.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 days later)

I went to the doctor i had a lot of wax in my ears. Not feeling dizzy anymore, but have a bad headache. Could be my allergies and its so cold and damp and rainy here. She told me to use nose drops, but those make me feel lightheaded. Anything else i can take for a person with high blood pressure for sinus headaches?

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (44 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Regarding your sinus headaches.......

Other than the routine medications that are prescribed by your doctor (which may include antibiotics, steroid sprays, antihistaminics, nasal decongestant drops etc) I am giving you some home remedies which may help you with your problem.

Plain normal saline nasal drops can be helpful in clearing the nose if the nostrils are blocked. They are safe and do not cause any problem also.

Over the counter analgesics help to relieve pain.

Take rest.

Drink plenty of water. This helps.

For my patients steam inhalation helps. (Please be cautious of accidental burns)

My aunt says eating spicy substances or drinking hot soups during the episodes helps. Its her personal experience. She also keeps a hot towel over her sinuses to get some relief. She found this advise on the net.

Hope this helps.
Please continue to ask your queries. I will be more than happy to answer them.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 days later)

went to the doctor again yesterday. She says i am dehydrated and to drink some green tea with sugar in it. thats why i was feeling dizzy and headaches. But i think part of my headaches is this tooth abscess too. I am on a anti-biotic for the tooth, even called the dentist yesterday he said give it 48 hours yet and see how you feel. The doctors i seen yesterday said my blood pressure was okay and my heart is okay. Took some blood tests, but dont know the reports until Monday.On my blood test it said my glucose is 111 is that high? thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (19 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Yes a dental abscess can cause headache.

If you are dehydrated for any reason drink plenty of fluids with some salt and sugar in it.

Nice to here that your blood pressure is within normal limits.

Was that a fasting blood sugar or a random blood sugar? Fasting blood sugar is normally on the lower side because it is taken on a empty stomach. The value varies with fasting and post prandial blood sugar.

Please reply so that I can answer the last question.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 hour later)

It wasn't a fasting blood sugar test, just a random test. ...This coming thursday i have another fasting blood test and a physical with the doctor. I dont want all these blood tests again. Should I tell him i just got some blood tests this past Saturday?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (52 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

A random blood sugar level may vary between 70 to 140mg/dl.

A fasting blood sugar will be more informative. What other investigations are prescribed by your doctor? Are all of them just a repetition?

Please reply.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (12 minutes later)

I have a problem with prolactin level they test for that plus my cholesterol they test for that. They usually do them every time i get a blood test. I hope they dont do the ones i just got done all over again. Because I cant afford that again,this last time they must have had over 50 things they tested for. My salt level was a little high, but i know why that is, its because of the tooth they pulled they told me to do a salt water rinse 4 times a day. They are all repetition when i get a blood test from the doctor.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (6 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

A test which was done one week before need not normally be repeated just after one week. Please inform your doctor that you got the test just one week before.

A test needs to be repeated only when we are going to get a new information out of it. So each and every test need not be repeated. If your doctor is asking all the tests to be repeated you may ask him why they are to be repeated.

May be you doctor is not aware that they were just done.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (6 minutes later)

no hes not asking for them to be repeated. I just dont want them testing for all that again. But if they dont know, im gonna have to tell them i was just in this past saturday. Only thing they didnt test for was cholesterol and my prolactin level this past saturday.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (26 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

If cholesterol and prolactin levels are not tested then they may need to be tested.

Once the lipid profile is found to be elevated it is good that you get it repeated. You are already on medication for lowering of cholesterol. So it is important that it is repeated.

Why are you not getting them all done at one go? They should have taken the sample last saturday it self. I am mentioning this because you will have to be pricked for taking sample twice.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (18 minutes later)

Because I went in a walk in clinic and just the doctor on call was there...Doctors dont work on Saturdays here. She was not my regular doctor. I went in cause i was feeling so sick. But feeling better now. I see my regular doctor on thursday, but I would think he knows i went in saturday to the walk in clinic. Becasue its the same thing, just a different place. I didnt fast for the last blood test last saturday and you have to do that for cholesterol. This thursday my regular doctor is giving me a physical and blood test. I havent been feeling good for a week, but finally starting to feel better.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (5 minutes later)

Hi,

Good to here that you are feeling better.

Any way from now on plan and see that all the investigations are taken at one go. Being pricked several times is a pain for any body.

I suggest you to take a balanced diet for your cholesterol. Diet XXXXXXX in fruits and vegetable with less fat.

Go for a regular walk. It improves your mood and helps with your cholesterol also.

Yoga or breathing exercises help. Keeping up a positive attitude helps.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (43 minutes later)

I was going to ask you. Whats a good multi-vitamin to take for women over 50? I feel so tired and another doctor told me to take a multi vitamin...

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 hour later)

Hi,

Calcium supplementation is required for people in post menopausal age group.
Instead of multi vitamin supplementation I suggest you to consume fruits and vegetables XXXXXXX in lot of vitamins. Rather than a capsule or tablet it is always better to have fruit.

Tiredness could be because of various causes and psychological aspect is also one of them.

Being positive and enthusiastic about life etc help.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (10 minutes later)

When i get a blood test my calcium is sometimes high, would taking a calcium supplement make it higher? I do have depression and anxiety. Plus my Mother passed away last July and still some days its very hard. We were so close..

What vegetables are XXXXXXX in vitamins?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (13 minutes later)

Hi,

I also suggest you to follow certain life style changes which could be of help.
1. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, etc will help to reduce stress.
2. Go for a walk. Recreational exercises will be of use.
3. Play with kids. Listen to music.
4. Get busy with some work which suits you.
5. Try to help some body.... what ever small help you can........ at least once a day.
6. Prey God.
7. Look at the positive things in life. Think over the good times you had with your mother.

Your mother I am sure always wanted you to be happy. So make it a point to be happy and be positive every day to the best you can.

Various fruits and vegetables are XXXXXXX in various vitamins. So a balanced diet is what is required.

Vitamin A is present in Carrots, Beet root, Papaya, Mango, etc

B1 is present in whole grain bread, legumes and nuts.

B2 is present in green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products.

B12 is present in meat, eggs and milk.

Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, oranges, papaya, mango, cabbage, tomatoes etc.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 minute later)

Thank you so much...Might have more questions later...

Your a very nice doctor :)

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for your compliment.

Please ask any further question as and when required. I will be more than happy to answer them.

Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty,
M.D. (Pediatrics)
Associate Professor of Pediatrics.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (46 hours later)

I dont know if this worked last time...

but i just got a call from the nurse that my white blood cell count is 3.9 she said its low...But i looked and it says it could be from anti biotics. Im taking them for the infection from my tooth. The nurse said i could have a virus in me?

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (41 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Yes total leucocyte count is below the lower end of the normal range.

What is the differential leucocyte count like? This investigation will be normally done along with the total leucocyte count.

This low leucocyte count (white cell count) can occur in a number of diseases like viral infections, typhoid, etc. Drugs like metronidazole, chemotherapy agents etc can also cause this low count.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (9 minutes later)

Sorry I don't know what this means? "What is the differential leucocyte count like? This investigation will be normally done along with the total leucocyte count". .....Normal is 4.0 and up ......This isnt leukemia? ..God i hope not...This has me worried. :( But the nurse told me it could be a virus
this is my test results, maybe you can see..Because I have no clue what this all means...thank you

WBC COUNT 3.9... 4.0-11.0 K/UL
RBC COUNT 4.83.... 3.80-5.25 M/UL
HEMOGLOBIN.... 13.8 11.5-16.0 G/DL
HEMATOCRIT..... 41.7 35.0-47.0 %
MCV 86.3.... 80-100 FL
MCH 28.6.... 26.0-34.0 PG
MCHC 33.1... 31-36 G/DL
RDW 13.3.... 11.5-14.5 %
PLATELET COUNT 201.... 130-400 K/UL
MPV 9.2.... 9.3-12.5 FL
DIFF TYPE AUTO
LYMPHOCYTES 20.6..... 13-44 %
MIXED WBCS 10.6.... 1.3-18.5 %
GRANULOCYTES 68.8.... 42-75 %
ABS LYMPHOCYTES 0.8.... 0.9-4.2 K/UL
ABS MIXED WBCS 0.4... 0.1-1.6 K/UL
ABS GRANULOCYTES 2.7

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (9 minutes later)

Hi,

Do not worry.

Total leucocyte count is the total white cell count. A differential leucocyte count gives the various components of the total count. (like polymorphs, lymphocytes, etc)

Yes common viral infections can cause a low white count.

A repeat count along with differential count after a few days will be useful.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (17 minutes later)

so its not leukimia, good thank God...Did you see my test results above? ...What do they do for a low white count?

thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (10 minutes later)

Hi,

Yes I saw that report now in detail. (It was not there when I was answering.)

Do not worry about it.

Your investigation needs to be repeated after ten days or so. It could be the metronidazole that was given for your teeth abscess or a viral infection. (Viral infections are the most common cause of decreased lymphocyte count)

Hope this helps.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 minute later)

Thank You yes it does help me to stop worrying. She said to retest in 10 days...Is there anything i can to bring the count up or not?

Thank you so much

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Hi,

Nothing much. Take a balanced diet and remain tension free.

Just get the test repeated after ten days.

You are welcome to ask further questions. I will be more than happy to answer them.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (8 minutes later)

Is penicillin the same as a anti-biotic? ...thats what im taking for my abscess on my tooth.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (4 minutes later)

Hi,

Yes. Penicillin is a antibiotic.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (4 minutes later)

that could that cause my white blood cell count to go down? ...

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 minutes later)

Hi,

Rarely penicillin can cause leukopenia. But the more common cause is a viral infection or some times bacterial infection.

So just get the investigation repeated after few days.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 minute later)

okay ty, just worried here....I was sick last week..told me i had a cold and that i was dehydrated too..

thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Hi,

Do not worry.

Things will be better. Tough times never last. Be brave.

Common cold will take around a week to improve.

If you are sick and do not consume enough fluid there are chances of getting dehydrated. So consume enough of fluids like fruit juices etc.

Hope this helps.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Thank you so much....Im not worried now.

You have helped me so much...thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 minute later)

Hi,

Do not mention.

Feel free to ask any further question as and when required.

Do not hesitate to ask any question.

I will be happy to answer them.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 days later)

Hi

I just wanted to tell you that I went to the Dr. on thursday and he took a blood test and my White blood cell count was 5.9 and he said everything else was okay.

Thank you so very much for all your help and making me feel better :)

take care

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Nice to hear that. Did they do just that one test or were any other tests (like the previous one) done.

I hope you do not have any problems now.

Please reply.

Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty
M.D.(Pediatrics)
Associate Professor
Pediatrics

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (48 hours later)

Well now i have a problem with diarreha, had for about 1 1/2 days not constant, just now and then. I think im dehydrated again. What should i eat until my stomach is better. Also i do have anxiety and i have been feeling so anxious lately.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (11 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

When you have loose stool you should prevent dehydration.

This can be done by taking ORS (Oral rehydration solution) or any other fluid containing salt and sugar.(coconut water, butter milk with salt, lemonade with sugar and salt are various fluids you can have) Tea, coffee etc should not be considered as rehydration solutions.

You should also monitor yourself for signs of dehydration. They include decreased passage of urine, increasing thirst, dry oral mucus membrane etc.

You should have a bland diet low in fat and spices till you improve.

Regarding the anxiety part follow the life style changes I suggested already.

If symptoms persists anxiolytics after prescription from your psychiatrist may be required.

Continue to ask further queries as required.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (5 minutes later)

What about tea with sugar in, thats what i was drinking before and add some salt to it?

I am on a med for anxiety and he just upped it to 1 mg. so im going to pick that up today.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (3 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

No Tea will cause dehydration and will not help you.

So caffeine containing drinks will not help as they cause dehydration(by increasing the urine output)

So those anxiolytics will help. Take them regularly.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (11 minutes later)

What about drinking warm water with honey and lemon? Or what else could i drink? lemonade with sugar that wont lead to diarehha again will it? or what about kool-aide?

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (6 minutes later)

Hi,

You can have any fluid with pinch of salt and a table spoon of sugar.

You can also have over the counter oral rehydration salt powder. Mix that in the appropriate volume of water and you can have that.

Hope this helps.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (10 minutes later)

Pedialyte is that just for children?
You and my doctor to told me to take a calcium supplement...How many Mgs should i be taking?

thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (45 minutes later)

Hi,

Yes Pedialyte can be used by adults also. There is no specific contraindication for its usage in adults.

As per the web site guidelines I am not supposed to prescribe the dosages of drugs etc. Calcium supplements as prescribed by your doctor should be used.

Please continue to ask for any help as required.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (15 minutes later)

oh okay thank you....My sister just told me she uses a big calcium pill :) so maybe Ill look for that.

Im feeling better already. I drank some water with some sugar and salt in it..But probably will get some pedilalyte today. Plus i drank some warm water with honey in it...

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (7 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks that you understood my problem.

In every solution that you take for treatment of dehydration you should have a pinch of salt in it along with sugar.

So your honey with water should also have some pinch of salt to be useful for dehydration.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (8 minutes later)

oh okay thank you...I'll put a pinch of salt in it next time.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 minute later)

Hi XXXXXXX

You are welcome.

Continue to ask queries as and when required.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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