Did you ever have that uncomfortable experience of having a fever and feeling that your chest is heavy or tight? You can simply dismiss it as one more viral infection; however, there are times when your body could be trying to tell you otherwise. Knowing what causes these symptoms and when to visit a doctor can make you take action sooner and heal quickly.
Relationship Between Fever and Chest Discomfort
Fever is the inbuilt alarm system in your body, which means this is an indicator that it is combating an infection or inflammation. It should be noted, however, that when it is accompanied by chest discomfort, then it is worth being a little more careful.
And the chest pains may resemble:
- Chest tightness or chest pressure.
- A burning or dull ache
- Pain in the chest, sharp, with breathing, coughing, or movement.
In other cases, it is not harmful, such as some mild muscle aches when one coughs or after one eats a lot of food. However, when it is accompanied by fever, it may also signify an infection or inflammation of your lungs, heart, or chest wall.
Fever and Chest Discomfort: Common Causes
The following are the possible causes of these symptoms:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that is brought about by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. You can have fever, chills, a constant cough, and chest pains, which are aggravated by difficulty breathing during deep breathing. It may be mild to life-threatening, particularly in the elderly or individuals with a weaker immune system.
Pleurisy
This is the state of having inflammation of the lining that surrounds your lungs (pleura). It causes chest pains that become sharp and worsen when breathing deeply or coughing. Fever is often present, too.
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold or the flu. It brings about fever, tightness of the chest, and a persistent cough, which may be accompanied by the production of mucus.
Pulmonary Embolism
This is a severe disease through which a clot of blood can go to your lungs, hindering blood circulation. The symptoms are sudden chest pain, dyspnea, fever, and cough with a possibility of blood. It is a health issue that demands urgent action.
Pericarditis
Your heart can be inflamed in the thin sac, and this may result in fever, chest pain, and fatigue. The pain is usually sharp, and it becomes more agonizing when lying.
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is still one of the major causes of protracted fever, chest pain, and cough in India. It needs the specific care of a thoracic or chest specialist.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Then, what makes you care and call your doctor on the phone?
The following are some of the indications that you cannot overlook:
- Several days of continuous fever or recurrent fever.
- Constant or sudden chest pain that does not go away.
- Dyspnea, wheezing.
- Bloody or yellow-green coughing.
- Pain in the chest, which spreads to your neck, jaw, or arms.
- Feeling rather lightheaded, dizzy, or strangely weak.
In the case of the above, it is time you looked into the services of a chest specialist in Thane or at the closest hospital to have a check-up.
Why See a Chest Specialist?
A thoracic surgeon (or chest specialist) is a specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the airways, lungs, and the chest wall. They are in a position to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The following are some of the common diagnostic procedures:
- Chest X-ray or CT scan – to exclude infections or abnormalities.
- Bronchoscopy – to examine the airways and sample tissues.
- Thoracentesis – to drain and test the fluid buildup surrounding the lungs.
- Pulmonary function tests – to determine the functioning of your lungs.
These tests assist your physician in determining whether you need any medication, respiratory or surgery.
Visit Dr. Amol Bhanushali – Thane Specialist in Chest.
In case you want professional advice, one of the most reputed Thane has to be Dr. Amol Bhanushali, Thoracic and Chest Surgeon. Having had experience in conducting minimally invasive surgery on the thoracic area, he has dealt with hundreds of patients with lung infections, tuberculosis, and complicated chest issues.
How can you take Care at Home?
In case your symptoms are mild and your doctor has eliminated serious causes, the following are some of the supportive actions that can be taken:
- Keep hydrated – Fever may lead to dehydration, and thus, take sufficient fluids.
- Take it easy – Have your body take a rest and resist infection.
- Inhale steam – Steam inhalation may relieve congestion and boost breathing.
- Track your temperature – Track your fever.
- Self-medication should be avoided, in particular with antibiotics or painkillers that have not been prescribed.
Keep in mind that home care is not a substitute for professional medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to have chest pain due to a mere viral fever?
Yes, in case of viral fever, chest discomfort may be witnessed because of muscle pains caused by cough or the inflammation of the chest wall. But when it continues, or is deep and sharp, have it seen to.
Can I tell the difference between the symptoms of the chest being due to the lungs or the heart?
Pains related to the lungs are frequently aggravated by deep breathing or coughing, whereas pains related to the heart can spread up to the arm or jaw. The exact cause can only be ascertained by tests conducted by a doctor.
Would I visit a general physician initially or a specialist in chest?
In case of primary symptoms related to breathing, fever, or chest tightness, you should not hesitate to consult a specialist in chest in Thane, such as Dr. Amol Bhanushali, directly, who will be able to examine the causes of the heart and lungs and determine the most effective way.
What are the tests that a specialist on the chest may suggest?
You may require a chest X-ray, blood analysis test, or CT scan, depending on your symptoms. In case of fluid or infection, tests such as bronchoscopy or thoracentesis can be carried out.
The Bottom Line
Such symptoms as fever and discomfort in the chest may be regarded as standard ones, yet, when combined, they may mean something that a physician should address. It is essential to listen to your body and consult with a professional in order to avoid complications and guarantee faster recovery.
You should not wait, in case you are at or near Thane and experience persistent fever or chest pain. Get a reservation with Dr. Amol Bhanushali – Thoracic and Chest Surgeon today. You can expect the proper diagnosis, caring, and tranquility with his expertise.