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Does Feeling Tightness When Breathing, Soreness In Upper Back, Chest And Right Of Spine Are Symptoms Of Asthma?
Hello, I have been having an asthma flare up for past week. I have tightness when breathing but the most troubling symptom is the extreme soreness I'm feeling in my upper back and chest. I have a very sore deep spot to the right of my spine under my right shoulder ballade area and a dull sore area in my chest in the same region. When I breathe deeply it hurts the most. The rest of my chest and back is sore as well. Is this a normal asthma symptom?
Mon, 6 Jan 2014
Hi,
The symptoms of pain in your chest and back are not usual with an asthma flare up. However, it may indicate that there is some pleurisy which is inflammation of the pleural covering of the lungs. This would hurt most when taking a deep breath. Pleurisy would occur with a chest infection which may have been the cause of your asthma exacerbation.
It is likely to clear over the next week. However, if it gets worse or is still present in a week's time, I suggest you see your doctor for further investigation. Paracetamol will help the pain. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
The symptoms of pain in your chest and back are not usual with an asthma flare up. However, it may indicate that there is some pleurisy which is inflammation of the pleural covering of the lungs. This would hurt most when taking a deep breath. Pleurisy would occur with a chest infection which may have been the cause of your asthma exacerbation.
It is likely to clear over the next week. However, if it gets worse or is still present in a week's time, I suggest you see your doctor for further investigation. Paracetamol will help the pain. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
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