I have PLEURITIS... my doctor says it is common for patients with spondylitis.. she explained that we get calcium deposits along the ribs and they rub against the pleura (lining of the lungs) causing inflammation and infection.. It can cause pockets of fluid or pus to develop.. Nasty, huh?
Anyway, during the exam, my blood pressure was elevated and my breathing was very shallow.. She said I was bearly moving air through my lungs so sent me for a chest X-ray to rule out anything more serious.. She prescribed a 12-day dose pack of prednisone and will see me again in 2 weeks..
So.. my advice to the rest of you who have this problem is go see your doctor... you could have lung problems...
Thanks for all the replies... hopefully things will improve after the meds kick in.
Denise
