Can chest pain occur due to fluid accumulation in the lungs?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a small amount of fluid around my heart. I had breathing difficulty, for which I was given IV antibiotics. The pain in my heart subsided during treatment; however, it started once it ended. I had an echocardiography done twice that showed a reduction in the fluid level. Also, I was prescribed the tablet Paracetamol and tablet Codeine (Codeine Sulphate) for pain relief. Is it normal to have heart pain, and how long will it last? Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would be happy to help. I have reviewed your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Your history suggests you have fluid in the lungs. There are some changes in the ECG (electrocardiogram), and inflammatory markers are raised, which indicates an infection or inflammation in the body. However, no pulmonary embolism was detected on the CTPA (computed tomography pulmonary angiogram). Also, the cardiac enzyme is normal. Have you had any cardiac problems in the past? Also, do you have a fever?

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Fluid is present normally around the heart. In some diseases, it increases in volume due to an inflammation of the membrane around the heart. The most common cause of inflammation is self-limiting viral infections. Tablet Ibuprofen, tablet Paracetamol, or tablet Aspirin can be taken for two weeks. The fluid around your heart is reducing, which is a good sign. In other cases, inflammation of the membrane around the lungs called pleural inflammation can also cause an inflammation of the pericardial membrane, which resolves once the pleural inflammation resolves.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.