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What Causes Chest Pain, Cough, Runny Nose And Throat Pain?

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Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014
Question: My step-son (19) XXXXXXX has chest pain and feels it bad, all the way to his back. He has a bit of a cough and a runny nose. His throat hurts and he also has had a headache all day. He is very stubborn and possibly scared of going to see a doctor. Do you know what Eric's pain is caused by?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Could be costochondritis or pneumonia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that your step son has. From all the information provided, he most likely has a viral upper respiratory tract infection. The pain is probably caused by an inflammation at the level of the soft tissues of the chest bones in the form of costochondritis. This would be less likely to be caused by pneumonia as he has no breathing difficulties, productive cough or high fevers.

Treatment consist in taking pain medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Symptoms would be controlled and the body would fight its way out of this infection. Most viral infections never require antibiotics or antiviral agents unless otherwise complicated.

In all, viral upper respiratory tract infection associated with inflammatory reaction in the form of costochondritis. Tylenol and Ibuprofen at doses recommended by his pharmacist to control pain and fever would be sufficient unless something else comes up.

I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes Chest Pain, Cough, Runny Nose And Throat Pain?

Brief Answer: Could be costochondritis or pneumonia. Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that your step son has. From all the information provided, he most likely has a viral upper respiratory tract infection. The pain is probably caused by an inflammation at the level of the soft tissues of the chest bones in the form of costochondritis. This would be less likely to be caused by pneumonia as he has no breathing difficulties, productive cough or high fevers. Treatment consist in taking pain medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Symptoms would be controlled and the body would fight its way out of this infection. Most viral infections never require antibiotics or antiviral agents unless otherwise complicated. In all, viral upper respiratory tract infection associated with inflammatory reaction in the form of costochondritis. Tylenol and Ibuprofen at doses recommended by his pharmacist to control pain and fever would be sufficient unless something else comes up. I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.