I was diagnosed with lingular pneumonia a month ago. After a week or so of violent coughing I developed a pain in the left lower rib area. Because of the point tenderness I was convinced it was a cracked rib. X-rays confirmed pneumonia was resolving and pleura thickened in lingular area. My family md gave me hydrocodone and Motrin. That was four days ago and pain increased and went from intermittent to constant. I used to be able to find a couple of sleep positions that didn t hurt. Now there is no relief no matter what I try, to include recliner. I am scared to drive cuz a cough or sneeze might make me black out from pain. Should I see a pulmonologist or does this sound common?
Hi, You have an infection of lung left, as a complication thin layer which covers lungs Pleura also gets inflamed and this is pain sensitive structure, so it is painful during coughing, Sneezing and even yawning can bring pain. But duration is long as 1 month time every Pneumonia should heal completely by this time. You should go for check up again may be a repeat X-ray to see if Pneumonia resolved completely and there is no other pathology. Is it pleura or rib which is causing so much pain. If required go for an ultrasound/CT Scan study to know the cause of your pain. I think you should see an expert. Hope you will be OK soon.