My chest is purring? Covid?

[LazyMareofEastown]

I'm awaiting PCR result (requested by work - NHS). Have had sore throat, headache and (non-continuous) cough for a few days. Very tired.

I've just woken up and realised I can feel a purring sensation in my upper chest. Not constant but very regular, few seconds at a time. It's not in time with either my inhale or exhale. My chest isn't sore (apart from when I'm coughing when it burns a bit). Crackling would be too severe a description.

Am 41, fit and well, have never smoked and have never had any sort of chest infection or respiratory condition.

Is this a thing with coughs and/or Covid?

That sounds worrying. I have no idea, sorry, but I'm bumping this for you.

It could be covid but I've found that since the start of the pandemic, everyone has forgotten that other illnesses exist (myself included - I automatically assume my cough or sore throat is covid!)! The reality is there are still colds and flus knocking about and chest infections are still very much a thing (what you're describing could very well be a chest infection) so I'd just wait until your PCR come back. Maybe just stay in the house to be on the safe side!

My mum had covid quite severely in Jan and she found that taking steroids massively helped with her breathing so if it is covid and you really start to struggle with that symptom maybe speak with you're doctor about being prescribed some steroids!

Hope you feel better soon!

Yes, I’ve been awake with this for 2 nights now. Scottish, so I think of it as a crechle - softer than a crackle. Purring works too. High chest, even into throat. Been feeling crap since Sunday - sore head, sore all over, shivery. 2 LFTs have been negative.

I reckon we’re all just more vulnerable now to seasonal coughs and colds etc.

I used to smoke, and when I got colds then this would happen. I stopped smoking years ago, it never happened after. It is presumably some phlegm rattling somewhere in the respiratory system

Not necessarily COVID, could just be a bad cough. I am just getting over it- lots of lfts and a PCR all negative plus the doctor listened to my chest and no infection. Just a bad cough. It's rubbish and sounds scary but isn't necessarily anything more ominous. Doctor said lots of water and steam your head over a bowl of boiling water. I drink endless cips of boiling water, which helps, sometimes with a ginger and lemon teabag in for variety.

You mean wheezing?

I get this with almost every cold I have. I think I had covid right at the beginning before tests were available and the wheezing at night was terrible. I almost went to the doctor thinking that I had a chest infection, but it cleared up eventually.

I think it all started with a very bad chest infection I had 30 years ago. I've never smoked, but I got the distinct impression that the doctor didn't believe me. My dad smoked up until I left home though.

I would keep an eye on it if this is new to you. It could well be the start of a chest infection.

I had what sounded like a crisp packet in my rib cage when I had a chest infection. Ir was because it was pleurisy (infection in the chest membranes). It wasn't covid but was horrible

I often get this ‘purring’ sensation in my chest. It’s usually when I’m stressed/anxious though.

Thanks all.

PCR came back negative which is a relief.

Still experiencing the sensation in my chest, mostly when I'm laying down. It's like there's a small amount of popping candy at the top of my chest. Most disconcerting. Not a wheeze though, I always thought a wheeze is more specifically linked with difficulty breathing and is more of a whistling? I am having no breathing issues, just the cough and burning pain in chest due to cough.

Symptoms are otherwise improving so don't think its worth bothering GP with.

Your posts were reassuring to my sleep-deprived mind this morning 💐

Yes crackling/popping for me was pleurisy. Sounded to my like crinkling crisp packers but I think popping candy or Velcro are both common comparisons.
Keep an eye on it, I had to have antibiotics in the end.

Glad it's not Covid!
Wishing you a speedy recovery

Heyyy. Did the pleurisy clear up? What antibiotics did they give you? I have the same thing currently xx