Suggest treatment for pleurisy
Patient: Hi, I have had bronchitis that led to pneumonia which led to pleurisy. Yet I have hhad the past week with my pleurisy a pounding heart and resting heart rate around 105. I have had pain in my left neck and wrist and hand. Should I be worried or is this something to expect with pleurisy? I am 27 and have otherwise been very healthy at a healthy weight. Doctor: Hello! Thanks for posting your query . Pleurisy is a common complication of pneumonia . The good news is , if detected in early stage, it can be completely cured with the right choice of antibiotic .I would prefer to start you on antibiotics like amoxyclav and azithromycin to start with , which generally work well for community acquired pneumonia.  Before the first dose of antibiotic, I would suggest you send a sample of your early morning phlegm for gram stain and culture sensitivity (the test that detects which organism has caused your phlegm to get infected and also tells which antibiotic will work to kill that organism ). As far as your pain is concerned , it seems to be a musculoskeletal pain . The pounding heart is also mostly likely due to the pain. So taking analgesics, hot compress and physiotherapy should help. Do consult a physician in person for a complete check up and evaluation .  Hope  my reply was of help.  Do drop your valuable feedback.  Thanks.