Worried About My Mother’s Health – Rib Discomfort, Swelling, and Persistent Cough
My mother, who is 55 years old, stands at 5'6" and weighs 140 pounds. She is a non-smoker and has been feeling unwell for several days, experiencing fever and intense coughing episodes. Each time she coughs, she experiences discomfort in her ribs, and there is apparent swelling in that area. Until recently, she was also feeling pain beneath her armpit that radiated down her arm, but now the discomfort has largely shifted to her palm. She is not currently taking any regular medication. There’s a concerning family history of cancer; my aunt, her sister, sadly lost her battle with liver cancer just last year, which has led me to think about the most alarming possibilities. We visited a physician who reassured us that there is nothing serious to worry about, yet I find myself relying more on the opinions from this community than on that medical advice. I plan to take her to see a different doctor tomorrow, but I felt it was important to share my concerns here for some additional perspectives and reassurance.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 1:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your mother’s health, especially given her current symptoms and your family history. The combination of rib discomfort, persistent cough, fever, and the recent shift in pain can arise from several issues, but it’s good that you're seeking further medical advice for a clearer picture.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your mother has a cough, fever, rib discomfort, and swelling.
- There is a family history of cancer, which heightens your concern.
- You've already seen a physician, but you’re seeking a second opinion.
Explanation:
Rib discomfort and swelling, especially when accompanied by a cough and fever, could suggest several conditions like:
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the lungs can cause pain with coughing and might lead to swelling.
- Muscle strain: Intense coughing can also strain the muscles around the ribs.
- Infection: Conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis could cause these symptoms.
- Potential heart-related issues: Radiating pain to the arm can sometimes be a concern; however, it’s more common to see this linked with heart issues in older individuals, which might not apply here.
Given your mother's age and symptoms, especially with the added worry of family history, it’s prudent to have this evaluated further.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Consult the New Doctor: Make sure to share all of the symptoms in detail, including the fever, cough, rib discomfort, and previous pain. Include the family history as this might influence the assessment.
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a diary of her symptoms, noting when they improve or worsen, any new symptoms that develop, and her temperature. This information will be very helpful for the doctor.
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Pain Relief: In the meantime, if she is comfortable, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. This can help with rib discomfort and fever management.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure she stays well-hydrated and gets plenty of rest, which is crucial for recovery.
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Seek Immediate Attention for Worsening Symptoms: If she experiences severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or any new concerning symptoms before the appointment, do not hesitate to seek urgent medical assistance.
It's great that you're advocating for your mother's health and seeking the necessary evaluations to understand her condition better. Take care, and I hope she feels better soon.
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