Experiencing Chest Discomfort with Coughing and Sneezing
A 34-year-old female. Currently, I take Duloxetine at 60mg daily to help manage pain associated with endometriosis as well as to stabilize my mood. I underwent a hysterectomy in 2023 to address issues from adenomyosis and endometriosis. Prior surgical history includes a C-section in 2015 and a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in 2017. Since 2021, I've been feeling an increasing sensation of discomfort located under my right rib cage. Despite multiple abdominal ultrasounds and a CT scan, the findings were inconclusive. In the last nine months, I have noticed that I experience sharp chest pains whenever I cough forcefully, sneeze, or vomit. This has escalated from being an sporadic issue, happening once every couple of weeks, to a near daily occurrence. The pain resembles the cramping sensation you might feel in a leg during a charley horse, but it affects different areas in my chest. At times, it feels like something is constricting my lungs, making it difficult to breathe for a few seconds. Recently, after one intense episode, I struggled to regain my balance on the stairs at work. My physician is perplexed and has advised that my gynecologist arrange for upper body MRIs to investigate if the endometriosis may have extended into my thoracic area. I'm feeling overwhelmed as the thought of sneezing now triggers significant anxiety.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 5:31:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a challenging time with your chest discomfort, especially given your medical history and current symptoms. The combination of sharp pain with coughing, sneezing, and feelings of constriction in your lungs can be concerning, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be linked to muscular, gastrointestinal, or possibly neurological issues, particularly given your history with endometriosis.
- It's essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek ways to alleviate anxiety related to coughing or sneezing.
- Staying informed about your condition and working with your healthcare team on the next steps is important for your peace of mind.
Explanation: The sharp chest pain you experience during coughing or sneezing could stem from muscular strain, irritation of the chest wall, or even diaphragm-related issues. Given your history of endometriosis and the recent surgeries, there is a possibility that this could affect other structures in your body. The sense of constriction and difficulty breathing briefly, especially after an episode, implies a reaction in the thoracic area, which might require further investigation—like the upper body MRI your physician suggested.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, severity, and potential triggers (like certain movements, foods, or activities). This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers.
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Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, especially when you start to feel anxious about coughing or sneezing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This can help with relaxation and may ease discomfort.
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Avoid Triggers: Identify any activities or situations that seem to exacerbate your symptoms and find ways to minimize them where possible. For example, if certain movements (like bending) trigger discomfort, try to adjust your posture or movements accordingly.
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Pain Management Strategies: Since you are already taking Duloxetine, discuss with your physician about additional pain management strategies that could help address the discomfort you’re feeling under your rib cage and during coughing or sneezing.
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Follow-Up on MRI: When your upper body MRI is scheduled, ensure that you understand the reasons for the test and what the potential results may help clarify—this can help reduce some of your anxiety.
Please prioritize these steps and know that it’s important to stay proactive about your health. Feeling overwhelmed is a valid response, and seeking supportive resources (whether mental health support or support groups) can also be helpful during this time. Let me know if you would like more information or assistance regarding any specific aspect of your situation.
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