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Why Am I Having Occasional Pain, Burning Sensation In The Right Chest From Chest Infection

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Posted on Mon, 20 Dec 2021
Question: After a chest infection I've been having occasional pain, burning sensation in the right chest. The sternum and upper ribs near the sternum felt pained when touched now the pain has shifted to the left chest and the left ribs and sternum hurts when touched and also there are sensations of pain at times....it's been over a month now...x Ray report is clear though.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely musculoskeletal

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Left chest pains when touched. Are you able to pinpoint the pain? Is there pain while breathing deeply?
X-ray chest is clear. That is reassuring, that the pain is not from lungs. Though it can be confirmed with a CT scan of chest.
It doesn't seem to be coming from heart also. Although an ECG is required to rule it out.
Pain is either from pleura or the musculoskeletal system. Kindly answer the above questions so that I am able to differentiate between the two.

Waiting for your reply.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)
Thank you so much Mam for the reply .
To answer your question I have no trouble while breathing and neither does it hurt to breathe
And yes I can pinpoint the pain even though at times the pain shoots through my arm and my back begins to ache as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its mostly musculoskeletal

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

From your description, its mostly musculoskeletal. But I am not able to rule out a spinal or disc problem. It does need an orthopedic consultation. See an orthopedic surgeon for further management. An X ray of spine maybe needed. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Also avoid any postures that make the pain worse. Exercises that strengthen the back muscles can be helpful.

Also get an ECG done and rule out any potential heart problem by an internal medicine specialist (chances are less).

Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)
Thank you so much Mam....thank you for your effort and time...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks

Detailed Answer:
Excessive coughing could be one potential cause. Avoid coughing.

Thanks for consulting me online.

Take care

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3262 Questions

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Why Am I Having Occasional Pain, Burning Sensation In The Right Chest From Chest Infection

Brief Answer: Most likely musculoskeletal Detailed Answer: Hi, Left chest pains when touched. Are you able to pinpoint the pain? Is there pain while breathing deeply? X-ray chest is clear. That is reassuring, that the pain is not from lungs. Though it can be confirmed with a CT scan of chest. It doesn't seem to be coming from heart also. Although an ECG is required to rule it out. Pain is either from pleura or the musculoskeletal system. Kindly answer the above questions so that I am able to differentiate between the two. Waiting for your reply. Dr Vaishalee