Tell me about the lungs please

[mandmsmummy]

I've posted lots on here lately, I have ankylosing spondylitis and costochondritis. Been generally unwell for five weeks, chest x ray showed possible consolidation so I've been on anti bs. The one sensation I'm getting I don't like is this aching up my chest and feeling like I can't get my breath. It's happening a lot and never comes to anything so it's not killed me yet but it's horrible when it happens. Can anyone shed any light on this? Is it the ank spo? Would really appreciate some advice as I'm really down from being so ill for what feels like forever x

Bump please x

bumping for you

Thanks, got myself in a state about blood clots now! X

OP, I'm sorry you're in so much pain

I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of an explanation, but I would suspect that the costochondritis is the more likely culprit for the shortness of breath!

What treatment have you been given besides anti-biotics?

I'm on naproxen for ankylosing spondylitis x

Anyone else? X

Sorry you are ill and worried.

Are you due to see any of the professionals? Who is monitoring the lung consolidation? Does anyone know what it is? I think you need to ask the professionals. Would you describe the uncomfortable feeling in your chest as tightness?

I don't have AS (or any medical training) so don't know much to help but do have upper back and rib inflammation that can affect posture and breathing if I let it (and asthma so am very familiar with chest tightness). I had a session ( privately) with a respiratory physiotherapists after a long stay in hospital (pneumonia), who taught me various breathing exercises to help clear my lungs and avoid over or under breathing.

I don't know who is looking after you, and whether your pain could be inhibiting rib(and therefore breathing) movement (as it may have for me), but just incase it is helpful here goes: Could be TMI. To shift the gunk in the lungs I have to take 3 really deep slow breaths in and fully out, (to inflate the bits of lung not fully used when breathing lightly) then on the last one huff (huffing sound with mouth) it out faster, which usually helps cough up the gunk from the lungs. Wait a few minutes with normal (shallower) breathing and then repeat. I usually do this after a bath or shower when steam will have thinned secretions and make it easier to cough up.

Thanks magso
I really appreciate you taking time to talk.
I'm seeing gps a lot lately and of course you never get one that says the same. I'm also under the rheumatologist. As for the consolidation the radiologist said it is possible chest infection, not enough to warrant ct scan and to have anti bs and repeat in six weeks. I have no symptoms of an infection apart from this breathlessness which has come on two weeks after the x ray.
I will try the breathing technique thank you. I'm seeing the gp again today who thinks it's the costochondritis but it's terribly scary when you can't get your breath xx

It is scary not being able to get your breath.
So it sounds like you are having another Xray in a week or two. I guess if it is not clear by then you will be referred to a respiratory specialist if needed. I presume your peak flow (where you blow fast into a portable tube device) has been measured along with O2 sats at some point. If those are all normal it is reassuring.
I should warn you deep breathing can make you feel dizzy, hence needing to wait with shallower breathing to repeat the exercise.

Hope the gp is helpful today.

Oxygen level was 99 but peak flow was rubbish x

Dh was given inhalers after he had pneumonia (I know we are a right family with both getting pneumonia!). I think his lungs just took a bit longer to sort themselves out. He doesn't need any of them now, and doesn't have asthma. Do you feel you are getting better, or staying much the same?
Hope your GP visit is helpful and you are breathing more easily soon.

Generally with the ank spo I'm better but breathing is an issue, think patience is the key with this one, thank you for your support x x