What exactly is it that causes...

Smaulz

Senior member
Jun 20, 2001
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that ripping feeling in your chest while caughing when you have the flu? I've been down with a good one for the past few days, and it's been quite painful to cough and sneeze. Everytime, it feels like chunks of lung ripping out. What exactly is going on down there? I know this is kinda gross, but I seriously wanna know... ?
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
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Hmm, I think that it's phlem. I've only had the flu once, and I had pneumonia and strep throat at the same time, so I don't know if my experience was the same as yours. Drink lots of water.
 

Smaulz

Senior member
Jun 20, 2001
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Never had pneumonia, but strep was a common occurance for awhile after highschool. This is definitely the worst flu I've had in a LONG time. Body aches, head aches, runny nose, hacking cough, watery eyes, sneezing, chills/hot flashes... dangit this sucks.... :|
I'm sure you're right about the phlem, but why's it hurt so damn bad?
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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Originally posted by: Smaulz
I'm sure you're right about the phlem, but why's it hurt so damn bad?
My layman's guess is that the tissue in your windpipe is probably severely agitated and it's overly sensitized to stimuli. Kind of like how a heavy bruise is very sensitive.

ZV
 

eshtog

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2001
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Originally posted by: Smaulz
Never had pneumonia, but strep was a common occurance for awhile after highschool. This is definitely the worst flu I've had in a LONG time. Body aches, head aches, runny nose, hacking cough, watery eyes, sneezing, chills/hot flashes... dangit this sucks.... :|
I'm sure you're right about the phlem, but why's it hurt so damn bad?


sounds exactly like what I have I am now just getting over it

I had the Flue for 5 days it sucked
 

IGBT

Lifer
Jul 16, 2001
17,976
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It's all that snot n lunkers gurgling around in there..hack up a good one and lean out the window..:D
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
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You have inflammation and swelling in your smaller bronchial tubes, alveoli clusters, and probably pleural membrane. Coughing up a lung biscuit > Increased respiratory effect > spasmotic/strained smooth muscle contraction > pain.
 

Smaulz

Senior member
Jun 20, 2001
938
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Originally posted by: tcsenter
You have inflammation and swelling in your smaller bronchial tubes, alveoli clusters, and probably pleural membrane. Coughing up a lung biscuit > Increased respiratory effect > spasmotic/strained smooth muscle contraction > pain.

Dang, thanks doc! I'll buy that... it still sucks though... :|