What causes chest/back pain, hoarseness and sore throat?
Patient: Hi. I get pains in my chest and upper back occasionally. About 18 months ago they got so bad that I was sent for an x-ray. It came back clear. They flared up again recently, and I had another taken. Again clear. The doctor said it must be costochondritis. I also suffer with pretty regular hoarseness and sore throats, plus what's been diagnosed as allergy-induced asthma (without inhalers I have random coughing fits). About a month ago the doctor gave me some antibiotics for a sinus/tonsil complaint. I have no cough. This week I again began to wake with chest pains, which became back pains later in the day. When I expectorated this morning I had mostly white sputum, but then two were a dirty green. More worryingly, one had a pea-sized lump of dark red blood in it. Almost purple. Should I go back to the doctor? Could the previous x-rays have been wrong? Or might it be a problem with my aesophagus?I am 37 and otherwise pretty fit, cycling for an hour a day and playing sport on the weekend. I don't smoke now, but did for about 15 years. Doctor: Hi. I can understand your concern.  Chronic cough is commonly seen in bronchitis and lung infection. Since your chest x ray is normal, no need to worry for lung infection. Possibility of bronchitis is more in your case. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.