Why is there a needle-like pain in the rib by an asthmatic?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a needle-like pain on the left side of the rib. I am an asthmatic. I had bronchitis a month ago and was treated with antibiotics. The chest is wheezy, and I have a dry cough. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You seem to have developed pleurisy or pleuritic chest pain following an acute asthma attack. I would recommend, first of all, a chest X-ray to rule out any pleural effusion as well as any pneumonia. If your chest X-ray remains clear, then you would need treatment with a short course of steroid like Prednisone along with a bronchodilator like Levosalbutamol and Budesonide. This should resolve within a few days of treatment.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.