Severe Back Pain After Flu Illness | 31-Year-Old Female
I am a 31-year-old woman weighing 239 pounds, and I reside in the southern United States. For the past ten to eleven days, I've been battling Influenza A. Initially, I believed I was on the road to recovery, but my condition only deteriorated. Persistent coughing plagues me, and each time I cough, it feels like my head is about to burst. The discomfort began in my diaphragm area and then shifted to the left side of my ribcage, affecting both the front and back. Moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or even vomiting is intensely painful, and I find no respite. The pain has been spasmatic throughout the day. I've attempted various remedies, including alternating between heat and ice packs, as well as using them individually. Medications such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and muscle relaxers have failed to provide any relief. I have even applied a lidocaine patch and taken Mucinex to ease my coughing, but none have alleviated the agony I am experiencing. As of today, it marks the fourth day of battling this back pain, with the incessant coughing leading to bouts of vomiting. I’ve noticed that I'm coughing up and expelling cloudy green mucus. Dehydration has also set in, but I'm actively trying to remedy that situation. My urine was orange yesterday, but thankfully it's light yellow now. I'm aware that dehydration can exacerbate muscle soreness, so I'm making an effort to hydrate, especially with Liquid IV. What steps can I take to relieve this debilitating pain? I've never felt this ill before, and even simple movements are challenging. Each breath brings tremendous agony.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 9:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear how difficult this has been for you. It’s important to address your concerns about severe back pain and persistent coughing after your recent battle with Influenza A, especially since it’s affecting your daily activities. Let’s break down the situation and outline some practical steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your severe back and ribcage pain, worsened by coughing and movement, may stem from muscle strain or inflammation after flu-related coughing.
- The presence of cloudy green mucus and the previous dehydration indicate possible respiratory complications, which need to be monitored closely.
Explanation:
After a viral illness like the flu, persistent coughing can lead to strained muscles in the chest and back, causing significant pain. The fact that you’re experiencing extreme discomfort during deep breaths and movement suggests that muscle strain or inflammation is likely occurring. Additionally, coughing up green mucus can be a sign of an infection, which may require further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Strain: Prioritize rest to allow your body to recover. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities that may exacerbate the pain.
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Pain Management: Since over-the-counter medications haven’t relieved your pain:
- Consider applying heat to your back and ribcage areas, which might help relax the muscles.
- Adjust the positioning of your body by supporting your back when sitting or lying down with cushions. This might alleviate some pain when you have to move.
-
Hydration and Nutrition:
- Keep focusing on hydrating, aiming for water or electrolyte solutions, especially since your urine color has improved.
- Try to eat light, nutritious foods that are easy to digest to help with your recovery.
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Breathing Exercises: Since you’re experiencing pain with deep breaths, try gentle deep breathing exercises:
- Breathe deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this several times a day to help ease the discomfort and improve lung function.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice an increase in the intensity of your symptoms (like difficulty breathing, high fever, or coughing up blood), or if your pain does not improve within a few days, it may be vital to reassess your situation.
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Cough Relief:
- Continue with Mucinex or over-the-counter expectorants but avoid irritants like smoke or strong perfumes which can worsen your cough.
Additional Consideration:
If your pain continues to be unbearable, has not improved with the steps above in the next few days, or if your coughing worsens, it might be prudent to seek further medical evaluation. Given your situation, there may be additional interventions that could provide relief.
It's essential to focus on your well-being, and I encourage you to give yourself time to heal. If you have any further concerns about your recovery, please reach out for additional support.
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