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What Causes Pain In Middle Back On Taking Deep Breaths?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014
Question: Began having pain only when i take a deep breath on right side middle back. Next day, i had a gallbladder attack, including vomitting and feeling full. Hida scan showed gallbladder was at 3%. Had it removed about two and a half weeks ago and im still having the deep breath pain. Blood work, liver function work up and ct scan with contrast of abdomen showed nothing. What is casuing the deep breath pain and also have drycough when i eat
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly post cholecystectomy syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Sir,

Going by the description given by you, I assume that indication of removal of gall bladder is non functioning gall bladder without associated stones. If the routine pre-operative pain as assessed by your Surgeon is likely to be due to Gall bladder , it should improve after Surgical excision of the gall bladder(if its the culprit). If the cause of symptoms is not due to gall bladder its unlikely to improve.
Cho;ecystectomy done for right indication should cause improvement in symptoms.

These could be cause of your pain while taking deep breath

1. Post Cholecystectomy syndrome
2. Irritation of Diaphragm: Sub phrenic collection of fluids, or handling of diaphragm during surgery could cause cough and pain while breathing. It usually happens due to prolonged retraction of liver
3. Atelectasis of Lung/Pleural effusion: Minimal Pleural effusion could cause this kind of pain
4. Rare Possibility of Pancreatitis: Especially Post Cholecystectomy Pancreatitis needs to be considered.
5. Associated Gastiris

Let me suggest you further line of management

1. Reassessment of CT scan images: To rule out Pleural effusion / subphrenic collection
2. Thorough Clinical assessment by your Surgeon
3. Serum Amylase and lipase
4. Liver unction test

In the meantime i would suggest you the following

1. Steam Inhalation: 15-20 minues each session thrice a day, preferably using electronic steamer. It will help relieve the cough
2. Breathing exercise
3. Avoid following: Alcohol/carbonated beverages/ caffeinated beverages
4. Consume small quantity of frequent meals
5. High fiber diet and plenty of oral fluids

Majority of patients will show improvement in their symptoms over 4-6 weeks period.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCh
Consultant Surgeon
2. Serum Amylase and Lipase
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Middle Back On Taking Deep Breaths?

Brief Answer: Possibly post cholecystectomy syndrome Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Sir, Going by the description given by you, I assume that indication of removal of gall bladder is non functioning gall bladder without associated stones. If the routine pre-operative pain as assessed by your Surgeon is likely to be due to Gall bladder , it should improve after Surgical excision of the gall bladder(if its the culprit). If the cause of symptoms is not due to gall bladder its unlikely to improve. Cho;ecystectomy done for right indication should cause improvement in symptoms. These could be cause of your pain while taking deep breath 1. Post Cholecystectomy syndrome 2. Irritation of Diaphragm: Sub phrenic collection of fluids, or handling of diaphragm during surgery could cause cough and pain while breathing. It usually happens due to prolonged retraction of liver 3. Atelectasis of Lung/Pleural effusion: Minimal Pleural effusion could cause this kind of pain 4. Rare Possibility of Pancreatitis: Especially Post Cholecystectomy Pancreatitis needs to be considered. 5. Associated Gastiris Let me suggest you further line of management 1. Reassessment of CT scan images: To rule out Pleural effusion / subphrenic collection 2. Thorough Clinical assessment by your Surgeon 3. Serum Amylase and lipase 4. Liver unction test In the meantime i would suggest you the following 1. Steam Inhalation: 15-20 minues each session thrice a day, preferably using electronic steamer. It will help relieve the cough 2. Breathing exercise 3. Avoid following: Alcohol/carbonated beverages/ caffeinated beverages 4. Consume small quantity of frequent meals 5. High fiber diet and plenty of oral fluids Majority of patients will show improvement in their symptoms over 4-6 weeks period. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCh Consultant Surgeon 2. Serum Amylase and Lipase