Ive recently had the flu - as Im allergic to Penicillin, my doctor prescribed me Erythromycin. Since Ive been taking this drug, Ive felt a very strange feeling in my upper abdomen. I rang NHS Direct, and also went to see my GP - neither of which could provide a sufficient diagnosis. My GP assumed it was just a side effect of my illness, but was quite dismissive of the pain and wasnt very helpful. Ive stopped taking Erythromycin hoping this feeling would disappear, but if anything it has just got worse. As Im now almost better (flu-wise), Im doubtful that it is just a symptom of this. It is painful/very uncomfortable when I breath in deeply, and feels as if there is some kind of bubble inside my stomach. The feeling has similarities to both stitch, and trapped wind, but is not in the right area of my stomach for either of those pains. Any thoughts you may have on this will be so helpful - Im getting very nervous about it.
Hi. Thanks for your query, read the history and understood your problems. The trouble on deep breathing is suggestive of a problem either in the lower lungs or the pleura (the coverings of the lungs). Auscultation by a Physician by a stethoscope can understand the problem better than the investigations, which help in confirming the diagnosis. It looks that in your case the flu caused the secondary infection by causing pleurisy, inflammation and this pain is now referred to the upper abdomen. Also get an X-ray of the Chest and CT scan of the chest to confirm. Get a proper treatment and you will be fine.