STIs With Flu-Like Symptoms
11 Causes Of Chest Pain And Cough
A variety of conditions, from pneumonia to lung cancer, could cause chest pain and a cough. Some conditions may improve on their own, while others will need medical treatment.
A simple cough may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or allergies.
People may also develop chest pain with their cough, which could occur due to conditions that affect the lungs, like acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
To help you narrow down the exact cause, check out this list of 11 possible causes of chest pain and coughing.
Bronchitis, also referred to as a chest cold, occurs when the tubes that carry air from your trachea into your lungs become inflamed and filled with mucus.
Irritation of your bronchial tubes may cause repeated bouts of coughing. Your cough may initially be dry, then become productive. A "productive" cough means it produces mucus. This is the most common bronchitis symptom.
Acute bronchitis is temporary. Symptoms may last between 10 days and 3 weeks.
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs. The infection could be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Pneumonia leads to increased pus and fluid in the lungs, which may trigger coughing. Persistent coughing, in turn, might cause chest pain.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include:
It's important to contact a doctor if you think you may have pneumonia. If left untreated, it could lead to sepsis and respiratory failure.
The pleura is the tissue that lines the outside of your lungs and inside of your chest cavity.
According to experts, three main types of pleural disorders may cause coughing and chest pain:
These disorders may be caused by:
Inflammation or fluid buildup may cause difficulty breathing and chest pain that worsens when you breathe, sneeze, or cough.
Pericarditis occurs when the sac-like tissue covering your heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. It's usually caused by a virus, but may also be caused by a bacterial infection or another disease.
A common symptom is a sudden sharp pain in the middle of the chest. This may be mistaken for a heart attack. If you experience this, get immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms could also include:
Acute pericarditis may last between 1 and 3 weeks, while chronic pericarditis could last longer than 3 months.
The flu is a contagious respiratory condition that may trigger a dry, persistent cough. This may progressively become more painful and uncomfortable, leading to chest discomfort.
Other symptoms may include:
A flu-related cough may last up to 2 weeks. Chest discomfort tends to improve once the cough lessens.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term to describe progressive, chronic lung diseases. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma.
Early symptoms may include shortness of breath and a mild, recurrent cough.
As the inflammation in the lungs increases, your symptoms may worsen. This may result in a chronic cough, increased mucus production, and chest tightness.
It's important to speak with a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of COPD.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease typically caused by inflammation or excess mucus in the lining of your airway. This narrows your airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Some people may experience a chronic cough, leading to chest pain.
That said, chest pain may also happen before or during an asthma attack. The tightness or discomfort might feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.
Acid reflux is a digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes irritation.
The most common symptom is heartburn, which may cause a burning sensation in your stomach, chest, and throat.
If you experience symptoms of acid reflux more than twice per week, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. It could cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough. A blood clot in your lungs might feel like a heart attack, and you may cough up sputum with bloody streaks.
Other symptoms may include:
Untreated pulmonary embolism could lead to lung tissue damage or be fatal. Every year, it may cause up to 100,000 deaths in the United States.
If you have a history of smoking and develop a persistent cough with chest pain, see a doctor.
Early lung cancer may not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, you may develop chest tightness or pain. Shortness of breath could also lead to a chronic cough that produces blood.
It's also possible to have noncancerous lung nodules, or atypical growths in the lung. These may sometimes come into contact with your airway and cause you to cough.
Interstitial lung disease refers to several diseases that cause scarring, known as fibrosis, in the lungs. The scarring stiffens your lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. It may also cause a dry cough and chest pain.
The risk of developing interstitial lung disease may be increased by:
One single test cannot diagnose the underlying cause of a cough and chest pain.
A doctor will typically conduct a physical and medical history examination. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may also have you undergo a few tests to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or tumors.
These tests may include:
Certain home remedies may help relieve chest discomfort by easing the cough, such as:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is also available to help relieve your cough.
That said, treatment for chest pain and coughing will depend on the underlying condition.
Viral infectionThere's no cure for a viral infection like the flu or viral acute bronchitis. In this case, the virus has to run its course, although OTC cold and flu medications may help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial infectionIf you have a bacterial infection, like some types of pneumonia or bronchitis, you'll need to take antibiotics. It's important to take the full course of a prescribed antibiotic to ensure full treatment of the infection.
Pleural disorders and pericarditisMedications may help treat infections, while corticosteroids might reduce inflammation.
Chronic conditionsFor chronic conditions like COPD or asthma, a doctor may recommend a therapy based on the severity of your symptoms. For example, a bronchodilator and other COPD medications might help reduce breathlessness. Or you may need to use a short-acting or long-acting inhaler for asthma.
Pulmonary embolismTreatment may involve blood thinners and a procedure to remove a large blood clot.
Lung cancerLung cancer treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy drugs, or radiation.
Interstitial lung diseaseTreatment depends on the type of disease but may include:
A nagging cough might not be concerning, but chest pain may be serious.
Contact a doctor if you have an unexplained cough that doesn't improve for more than 3 weeks, or if it's accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms like:
Coughing and chest pain may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or allergies. They may also be a sign of something more serious. Prompt medical assistance is advised if you experience chest pain that is sharp, sudden, or severe, chest pain that radiates to your arm, neck, or jaw, bloody mucus with your cough, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to catch your breath, and nausea, sweating, or vomiting.
Does your chest hurt when you have COVID-19?Chest pain is possible with COVID-19, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms or with the same intensity. The virus that causes COVID-19 may induce inflammation in the lungs and injury to the heart in some people. In these cases, it's possible to develop a cough, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the chest and lungs.
Other common symptoms may include fever, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue.
If you experience a persistent cough and chest pain that won't go away, medical assistance is advised.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?A dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus is a common symptom of bronchitis. Other symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, low energy, and chest congestion. Only a healthcare professional can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
What causes chest pain and coughing?Chest pain (or pressure) and coughing may result from bronchitis, pneumonia, the flu, chronic conditions of the lungs, asthma, acid reflux, cancer, and inflammation in the covering of your heart, among others. If you experience cough and chest pain that doesn't improve in a few days or that happens with fever and difficulty breathing, prompt medical assistance is highly advised.
A variety of conditions may trigger a cough with chest pain, so it's often difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause.
If your symptoms are persistent or worsen, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, speak with a doctor. They may be able to diagnose the underlying cause and help build a proper treatment plan for you.
Pope Francis Taken To Hospital For Tests After Reporting Flu Symptoms
Pope Francis was taken to hospital on Wednesday after telling worshippers at his weekly audience that he had not yet recovered from the symptoms of flu.
The Vatican press office said Francis, 87, had been taken to Gemelli hospital in Rome for "diagnostic tests" before returning to the Vatican soon afterwards. In a statement on Monday, it had said he was suffering from "light" flu symptoms.
"I still have a bit of a cold," the pope, who has scaled back his agenda in recent days, told worshippers.
Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli, one of his aides, read the catechesis during the audience as he had done on previous occasions when the pope was feeling unwell.
Francis, who has been blighted by ill health in recent years, was admitted to the Gemelli in March last year with acute bronchitis. Initially, the Vatican said he was there for scheduled tests, but the pontiff later revealed he had felt pain in his chest and was rushed to the hospital, where bronchitis was diagnosed. After being discharged, he quipped: "I am still alive."
He was readmitted to the Gemelli in June for health checks.
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Pope Francis reveals he will not be buried in Vatican
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In November, Francis, who is often seen in a wheelchair or with a walking stick because of sciatic nerve pain and a knee problem, said during an audience with European rabbis that he was not feeling well, which the Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, said at the time was "just a bit of a cold".
Francis had part of a lung removed in his early 20s while training to be a priest in his native Argentina. In June 2021 he underwent a colon operation.
He has often alluded to resigning if bad health prevents him from doing his job. In December he revealed that he had chosen his burial place – the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Esquilino neighbourhood of Rome – breaking with the longstanding tradition of popes being buried in the grottos beneath St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Early Flu Symptoms
Detecting early symptoms of the flu can help to prevent the spread of the virus and possibly help you treat the illness before it gets worse.
Read on to learn more about all of these symptoms and how you can find relief.
Shorter days and reduced sunlight can make you feel tired. There's a difference between being tired and experiencing extreme fatigue.
Sudden, excessive fatigue is one of the earliest symptoms of the flu. It may appear before other symptoms. Fatigue is also a symptom of the common cold, but it's usually more severe with the flu.
Extreme weakness and tiredness may interfere with your typical activities. It's important that you limit activities and allow your body to rest. Take a few days off from work or school and stay in bed. Rest can strengthen your immune system and help you fight the virus.
Body aches and chills are also common flu symptoms.
If you're coming down with the flu virus, you may mistakenly blame body aches on something else, such as a recent workout. Body aches can manifest anywhere in the body, especially in the head, back, and legs.
Chills may also accompany body aches. The flu may cause chills even before a fever develops.
Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket can increase your body temperature and possibly reduce chills. If you have body aches, you can take over-the-counter pain relieving medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
A persistent dry cough can indicate an early illness. It may be a warning sign of the flu. The flu virus can also cause a cough with wheezing and chest tightness. You might cough up phlegm or mucus. However, a productive cough is rare in the flu's early stages.
If you have respiratory problems, such as asthma or emphysema, you may need to call your doctor to prevent further complications. Also, contact your doctor if you notice foul-smelling, colored phlegm. Flu complications can include bronchitis and pneumonia.
Take cough drops or cough medicine to calm your cough. Keeping yourself and your throat hydrated with lots of water and caffeine-free teas can also help. Always cover your cough and wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection.
Flu-related coughing can quickly lead to a sore throat. Some viruses, including influenza, can actually cause a swollen throat without a cough.
In the earliest stages of the flu, your throat may feel scratchy and irritated. You may also feel a strange sensation when you swallow food or drinks. If you have a sore throat, it'll likely get worse as the viral infection progresses.
Stock up on caffeine-free tea, chicken noodle soup, and water. You can also gargle with 8 ounces of warm water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Flu-related fevers are typically over 100.4˚F (38˚C).
A fever is a common symptom in the early stages of the flu, but not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Also, you might experience chills with or without a fever while the virus runs its course.
Usually, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both effective fever reducers, but these medications can't cure the virus.
Early flu symptoms can extend below the head, throat, and chest. Some strains of the virus can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting.
Dehydration is a dangerous complication of diarrhea and vomiting. To avoid dehydration, drink water, sports drinks, unsweetened fruit juices, caffeine-free teas, or broth.
The flu is a progressive illness. This means that symptoms will worsen before they get better. Not everyone responds the same to the influenza virus. Your overall health can determine how severe your symptoms may be.
Seek immediate medical care if you have the following symptoms:
Symptoms of the flu usually go away within a week or two. However, in some cases, the flu can cause additional complications, especially in people at high risk. Some possible complications include:
During flu season, protecting yourself from respiratory viruses is a top priority.
The flu virus can spread through saliva droplets that are projected when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can reach people and surfaces up to 6 feet away. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these droplets or by touching objects that these droplets have landed on.
Can you get a mild case of flu?The flu virus can be mild or severe, and everyone's experience of it can be different. That said, it can also be very serious in some cases and even life threatening.
Can you feel the flu coming on?Early symptoms can include fatigue, body aches and chills, cough, and fever. There are also early flu symptoms that are more unique to children. These can include not drinking or eating enough, crying without tears, having a fever with a rash, or difficulty urinating.
It can be hard to know the difference between the flu and a cold in children. Usually, however, flu symptoms are more severe. Children can also get stomach problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Some young children can also experience febrile seizures.
What should I do if I have early flu symptoms?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you don't go back to work until you've been fever-free for 24 hours without needing to take a fever-reducing medication.
Even if you don't have a fever, you should still consider staying home until other symptoms improve. It's generally safe to return to work or school when you can resume normal activity without getting tired. However, the recovery rate varies from person to person.
The good news is that the flu virus is preventable.
Getting a flu shot every year is one of the best ways to protect yourself. The flu shot is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant people.
Here are a few other preventive measures:
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