Could pain in upper chest and upper back indicate bronchitis?
Patient: I ve been sick for a couple of days now... A couple of days ago, I woke up with a temperature of 100.6 and been having a bad cough... Since last night early this morning, everytime I cough, laugh, sneeze, blow my nose, and sometimes talk, I have pain in my upper chest and upper back... Could it be bronchitis? Doctor: Thanks for your question on HCM.I can understand your situation and problem.By your history and description, it seems pleurisy more.Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura. And chest pain on coughing is characteristic feature of pleurisy.Bronchitis will give wheezing, shortness of breath more, along with cough.So I advice you to consult pulmonologist and get done1. Chest x ray2. PFT (pulmonary function test).Chest x ray is needed to rule out possible causes for pleurisy (pneumonia, tuberculosis etc).PFT is needed to rule out bronchitis.So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment.